Cells for immunotherapy engineered for targeting antigen present both on immune cells and pathological cells

ABSTRACT

Methods of developing genetically engineered immune cells for immunotherapy, which can be endowed with Chimeric Antigen Receptors targeting an antigen marker that is common to both the pathological cells and said immune cells (ex: CD38, CS1 or CD70) by the fact that the genes encoding said markers are inactivated in said immune cells by a rare cutting endonuclease such as TALEN, Cas9 or argonaute.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/118,801, filed Aug. 12, 2016, which is a 371 of International Appln. PCT/EP2015/053162, filed Feb. 13, 2015, which claims the benefit of Danish Appln. PA201470076, filed Feb. 14, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Jul. 27, 2020, is named 15118801_Seq.txt and is 229,376 bytes in size.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of developing genetically engineered, preferably non-alloreactive, immune cells for immunotherapy, which are endowed with Chimeric Antigen Receptors targeting an antigen marker that is common to both the pathological cells and the immune cells (ex: CD38).

The method comprises expressing a CAR directed against said antigen marker and inactivating the genes in the immune cells contributing to the presence of said antigen marker on the surface of said immune cells. This inactivation is typically performed by using transgenes encoding RNA-guided endonucleases (ex: Cas9/CRISPR), meganucleases, Zinc-finger nucleases or TAL nucleases. The engineered immune cells, preferably T-cells, direct their immune activity towards malignant, infected cells or defective immune cells, while avoiding their mutual destruction, auto-stimulation or aggregation. The invention opens the way to standard and affordable adoptive immunotherapy strategies using immune cells for treating cancer, infections and auto-immune diseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adoptive immunotherapy, which involves the transfer of autologous antigen-specific immune cells generated ex vivo, is a promising strategy to treat viral infections and cancer. The T cells used for adoptive immunotherapy, for instance, can be generated either by expansion of antigen-specific T-cells or redirection of T-cells through genetic engineering (Park, Rosenberg et al. 2011).

Novel specificities in T-cells have been successfully generated through the genetic transfer of transgenic T-cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) (Jena, Dotti et al. 2010). CARs are synthetic receptors consisting of a targeting moiety that is associated with one or more signaling domains in a single fusion molecule. In general, the binding moiety of a CAR consists of an antigen-binding domain of a single-chain antibody (scFv), comprising the light and variable fragments of a monoclonal antibody joined by a flexible linker. Binding moieties based on receptor or ligand domains have also been used successfully. The signaling domains for first generation CARs are derived from the cytoplasmic region of the CD3zeta or the Fc receptor gamma chains. First generation CARs have been shown to successfully redirect T cell cytotoxicity, however, they failed to provide prolonged expansion and anti-tumor activity in vivo. Signaling domains from co-stimulatory molecules including CD28, OX-40 (CD134), and 4-1BB (CD137) have been added alone (second generation) or in combination (third generation) to enhance survival and increase proliferation of CAR modified T cells. CARs have successfully allowed T cells to be redirected against antigens expressed at the surface of tumor cells from various malignancies including lymphomas and solid tumors (Jena, Dotti et al. 2010).

The current protocol for treatment of patients using adoptive immunotherapy is based on autologous cell transfer. In this approach, T lymphocytes are recovered from patients, genetically modified or selected ex vivo, cultivated in vitro in order to amplify the number of cells if necessary and finally infused into the patient. In addition to lymphocyte infusion, the host may be manipulated in other ways that support the engraftment of the T cells or their participation in an immune response, for example pre-conditioning (with radiation or chemotherapy) and administration of lymphocyte growth factors (such as IL-2). Each patient receives an individually fabricated treatment, using the patient's own lymphocytes (i.e. an autologous therapy). Autologous therapies face substantial technical and logistic hurdles to practical application, their generation requires expensive dedicated facilities and expert personnel, they must be generated in a short time following a patient's diagnosis, and in many cases, pretreatment of the patient has resulted in degraded immune function, such that the patient's lymphocytes may be poorly functional and present in very low numbers. Because of these hurdles, each patient's autologous cell preparation is effectively a new product, resulting in substantial variations in efficacy and safety.

Ideally, one would like to use a standardized therapy in which allogeneic therapeutic cells could be pre-manufactured, characterized in detail, and available for immediate administration to patients. By allogeneic it is meant that the cells are obtained from individuals belonging to the same species but are genetically dissimilar. However, the use of allogeneic cells presently has many drawbacks. In immune-competent hosts allogeneic cells are rapidly rejected, a process termed host versus graft rejection (HvG), and this substantially limits the efficacy of the transferred cells. In immune-incompetent hosts, allogeneic cells are able to engraft, but their endogenous T-cell receptors (TCR) specificities may recognize the host tissue as foreign, resulting in graft versus host disease (GvHD), which can lead to serious tissue damage and death.

In order to provide allogeneic T-cells, the inventors previously disclosed a method to genetically engineer T-Cells, in which different effector genes, in particular those encoding T-cell receptors, were inactivated by using specific TAL-nucleases, better known under the trade mark TALEN™ (Cellectis, 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 PARIS). This method has proven to be highly efficiency in primary cells using RNA transfection as part of a platform allowing the mass production of allogeneic T-cells (WO 2013/176915).

CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38), also known as cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase is a glycoprotein found on the surface of many immune cells (white blood cells), in particular T-cells, including CD4+, CD8+, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. CD38 also functions in cell adhesion, signal transduction and calcium signaling. Structural information about this protein can be found in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database under reference P28907. In humans, the CD38 protein is encoded by the CD38 gene which located on chromosome 4. CD38 is a multifunctional ectoenzyme that catalyzes the synthesis and hydrolysis of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) from NAD+ to ADP-ribose. These reaction products are deemed essential for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+. Also, loss of CD38 function was associated with impaired immune responses and metabolic disturbances (Malavasi F., et al. (2008). “Evolution and function of the ADP ribosyl cyclase/CD38 gene family in physiology and pathology”. Physiol. Rev. 88(3): 841-86).

On another hand, CD38 protein is a marker of HIV infection, leukemias, myelomas, solid tumors, type II diabetes mellitus and bone metabolism, as well as some other genetically determined conditions. In particular, it has been used as a prognostic marker in leukemia (Ibrahim, S. et al. (2001) CD38 expression as an important prognostic factor in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 98:181-186).

Although, cells expressing CD38, as well as many other tumor antigen markers referred to in Table 1, such as CD70 and CS1 could be regarded as attractive targets for CARs, the fact that such antigen markers are also expressed at the surface of most T-cells, has hampered significantly the selection of these markers to perform immunotherapy.

The inventors here provide strategies for immunotherapy involving pathological cells expressing specific antigen markers also present at the surface of T-cells, like for instance malignant CD38 positive B-cells causing leukemia, CD70 and CS1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses methods to engineer T-cells intended to target pathological cells, whereas said pathological cells express one or several antigen markers that are also present on the surface of T-cells. Examples of such antigen markers are found in Table 1. An example of such antigen marker is CD38. Other examples are CD70 and CS1. By antigen marker is meant the whole protein of an immune-reactive fragment thereof.

According to the invention, the T-cells are engineered in order to inactivate the expression of the genes encoding such antigen markers, or involved into the presentation of such antigen marker on the cell surface.

This inactivation is preferably performed by a genome modification, more particularly through the expression in the T-cell of a specific rare-cutting endonuclease able to target a genetic locus directly or indirectly involved in the production or presentation of said antigen marker at the surface of the T-cell. Different types of rare-cutting endonucleases can be used, such as Meganucleases, TAL-nucleases, zing-finger nucleases (ZEN), or RNA/DNA guided endonucleases like Cas9/CRISPR or Argonaute.

According to a preferred embodiment, the T-cells are endowed with at least one chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) allowing a specific binding of said cells bearing said targeted antigen marker.

According to another embodiment, the T-cells can be further engineered to make them allogeneic, especially by deleting genes involved into self-recognition, such as those, for instance, encoding components of T-cell receptors (TCR) or HLA complex.

The present invention encompasses the isolated cells or cell lines comprising the genetic modifications set forth in the detailed description, examples and figures, as well as any of the proteins, polypeptides or vectors useful to engineer said T-cells.

As a result of the invention, the engineered T-cells can be used as therapeutic products, ideally as an “off the shelf” product, in methods for treating or preventing cancer, infections or auto-immune disease.

Preferred immune cells according to the present invention are those resulting into the phenotypes:

-   -   [CAR targeting a antigen marker of Table1]⁺[antigen marker of         Table1]⁻ such as the following ones:     -   [CAR CD38]⁺[CD38]⁻, preferably also [TCR] negative;     -   [CAR CD70]⁺[CD70]⁻, preferably also [TCR] negative;     -   [CAR CS1]⁺[CS1]⁻, preferably also [TCR] negative;         for their use as therapeutic products, preferably allogeneic         ones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES AND TABLES

FIG. 1: Schematic representation of an engineered T-cell according to the present invention disrupted for CD38 and endowed with a chimeric antigen receptor (represented as a single-chain CAR) targeting a malignant cell bearing the antigen marker CD38.

FIG. 2: Schematic representation of a multi-subunit chimeric antigen receptor.

FIG. 3: Schematic representation of a therapeutic strategy according to the invention combining T-cells endowed with a multi-subunit CAR and circulating bi-specific antibody. In this particular aspect, the receptor present on the extracellular chain of the multi-subunit CAR is composed of an epitope which is recognized by a bi-specific antibody. The bi-specific antibody is intended to bind said epitope one the one hand and the antigen marker on the other hand to facilitate the binding of the T-cell to the pathological cell.

FIG. 4: Schematic representation of a therapeutic strategy according to the invention combining T-cells endowed with a multi-subunit CAR and circulating monoclonal antibody. In this particular aspect, the receptor present on the extracellular chain of the multi-subunit CAR is composed, for instance, of a Fc receptor intended to bind a monoclonal antibody that is directed against the antigen marker. The monoclonal antibody increases the chance of T-cells binding the pathological cells.

FIG. 5: Schematic representation of a therapeutic strategy according to the invention combining T-cells endowed with a multi-subunit CAR that comprises two extracellular cellular domains and one circulating bi-specific antibody. In this particular aspect, the extracellular cellular domains are located on distinct sub-units. These domains are respectively composed of an epitope that is recognized by a bi-specific antibody and of a receptor targeting an antigen. The receptor is directed against a first antigen marker, whereas the bi-specific antibody is intended to bind the epitope and a second antigen marker. This display aims to selectively target pathological cells bearing at their surface both the first and second antigen markers.

FIG. 6: display is similar to FIG. 5, but stimulation and co-stimulation domains (respectively 4-1BB and CD3zeta protein domains) have been exchanged to modulate the intensity of the activation of the T-cell resulting from the binding of the chimeric antigen receptor with the pathological cell.

FIG. 7: display is similar to FIG. 5, but stimulation and co-stimulation domains (respectively 4-1BB and CD3zeta protein domains) have been exchanged and one CD3zeta domain has been added to increase the intensity of the activation of the T-cell resulting from the binding of the chimeric antigen receptor with the pathological cell.

FIG. 8: Schematic representation of a therapeutic strategy according to the invention combining T-cells endowed with a multi-subunit CAR that comprises two extracellular cellular domains and one circulating monoclonal antibody. In this particular aspect, the extracellular cellular domains are located on distinct sub-units. These domains are respectively composed of an antigen binding domain targeting an antigen marker and a Fc receptor intended to bind a monoclonal antibody that is directed against a second antigen marker. This display aims to selectively target pathological cells bearing at their surface both the first and second antigen markers.

FIG. 9: CD38 expression by activated T cells. A. CD38 expression by T cells at day 6 after activation with CD3/CD28 coated beads+IL2. B. Longitudinal analysis of CD38 expression by T cells during 17 days after activation.

FIG. 10A: Knock-out (KO) on CD38 gene. Position on CD38 exon 1 sequence of the 3 different TALENs (T2, T4 and T5) designed to knock out CD38 in T cell.

FIG. 10B: Expression of CD38 in T cells after transfection with the TALEN CD38ex1_T2.

FIG. 10C: CD38 staining to control for the purification of CD38 KO T cells.

FIG. 11: CD38 CAR: A. Representation of the 3 versions of CARs designed. B. CD38 expression level by the target cell lines.

FIG. 12: Timing experiment for the engineering of the CAR CS1+ and KO CS1 T-cells and their subsequent testing;

FIG. 13: Constructs of T01, T02 and T03 with the TAL repeats used for the KO of CS1 gene;

FIG. 14A: Target location for the TALs T01 and T02 within the CS1 (SLAMF7) gene.

FIG. 14B: Target location for the TAL T03 within the CS1 (SLAMF7) gene.

FIG. 15A: Measurement of percentage of target cell viability for TALEn or not TALEn transfected combined with CAR+ or not transduced cells: a reduced cell viability of CS1(+) cells shown when they were co-cultured with CAR+ T-cells, while no impact on CS1(−) cell viability was observed.

FIG. 15B: Measurement of percentage of specific cell lysis (CS1+) calculated using the flow cytometry data. It is shown that specific cell lysis is 2-times higher when T-cells have been transfected with TALEn targeting the CS1 gene prior to CAR transduction.

FIG. 16: Results of FACS analysis from cytoxic activity experiment, which show that transduction efficiencies are higher in mock transfected cells than in cells that have been transfected with TALEn targeting the CS1 gene (NTD: not transduced).

FIG. 17: Results from FACS analysis when the different samples are reactivated with CD3/CD28 beads at D11 after transduction, showing the transduction efficiencies and CD8/CS1 expression levels in each sample. An increase in CS1 levels upon re-activation is observed in mock transfected cells, while a low amount of cells are able to express CS1 in the TALEn transfected populations.

Table 1: Different cytopulse programs used for T-cells electroporation.

Table 2: appropriate target sequences for the guide RNA using Cas9 in T-cells

Table 3: List of genes encoding immune checkpoint proteins

Table 4: Cluster of differentiation (CD) antigen markers found to be expressed on the surface of T-cells, while being characteristic of different types of tumors.

Table 5 to 13: Main surface antigen markers expressed in T-cells, while being over-expressed in solid tumor cells from various types of cancer. The listed antigen markers were identified as explained in Example 1.

Table 5: colon tumor cells;

Table 6: breast tumor cells;

Table 7: digestive track tumor cells;

Table 8: kidney tumor cells;

Table 9: liver tumor cells;

Table 10: lung tumor cells;

Table 11: ovary tumor cells;

Table 12: pancreas tumor cells;

Table 13: prostate tumor cells;

Table 14: Main surface antigen markers expressed in T-cells, while being over-expressed in liquid tumor cells from various types of cancer (ALL, AML, CML, MDS, CLL, CTRL). The listed antigen markers were identified as explained in Example 1.

Table 15: Sequences of the tested CD38 target and TALENs for inactivation of the CD38 antigen;

Table 16: Sequences of two other CD38 targets and the corresponding TALENs for their inactivation;

Table 17: Sequences of VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CD38 antibodies daratumumab and MOR202 and of specific CDRs for VH and VL chains

Table 18: Polypeptide sequence of the 3 different structures of scFv daratumumab-based anti-CD38 CARs and of the individual components used;

Table 19: Sequences of VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CS1 antibodies;

Table 20: Polypeptide sequence of anti-CS1 CARs based on the V1, V2 and V3 versions in FIG. 11A;

Table 21: Sequences of the CS1 target and TALENs for its inactivation;

Table 22: Sequences of the CD70 target and TALENs for its inactivation;

Table 23: Polynucleotide and nucleic acid sequences of VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CD70 Ab4, Ab8 and 1F6 antibodies;

Table 24: Polypeptide sequence of anti-CD70 CARs based on the V1, V2 and V3 versions in FIG. 11A

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by a skilled artisan in the fields of gene therapy, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology.

All methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, with suitable methods and materials being described herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will prevail. Further, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise specified.

The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of cell biology, cell culture, molecular biology, transgenic biology, microbiology, recombinant DNA, and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature. See, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Frederick M. AUSUBEL, 2000, Wiley and son Inc, Library of Congress, USA); Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, (Sambrook et al, 2001, Cold Spring Harbor, New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gait ed., 1984); Mullis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; Nucleic Acid Hybridization (B. D. Harries & S. J. Higgins eds. 1984); Transcription And Translation (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. 1984); Culture Of Animal Cells (R. I. Freshney, Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1987); Immobilized Cells And Enzymes (IRL Press, 1986); B. Perbal, A Practical Guide To Molecular Cloning (1984); the series, Methods In ENZYMOLOGY (J. Abelson and M. Simon, eds.-in-chief, Academic Press, Inc., New York), specifically, Vols. 154 and 155 (Wu et al. eds.) and Vol. 185, “Gene Expression Technology” (D. Goeddel, ed.); Gene Transfer Vectors For Mammalian Cells (J. H. Miller and M. P. Calos eds., 1987, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory); Immunochemical Methods In Cell And Molecular Biology (Mayer and Walker, eds., Academic Press, London, 1987); Handbook Of Experimental Immunology, Volumes I-IV (D. M. Weir and C. C. Blackwell, eds., 1986); and Manipulating the Mouse Embryo, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1986).

In a general aspect, the present invention relates to methods for new adoptive immunotherapy strategies in treating diseases linked with the development of pathological cells, such as cancer, infections and auto-immune diseases.

As a main objective of the invention is the possibility to target pathological cells that bear specific antigen markers in common with T-cells. By pathological cell is meant any types of cells present in a patient, which are deemed causing health deterioration.

In general, pathological cells are malignant or infected cells that need to be reduced or eliminated to obtain remission of a patient.

In a first embodiment, the method of the invention concerns a method of preparing appropriate immune cells, preferably T-cells for immunotherapy comprising the step of:

-   -   (a) Genetically inactivating or mutating a gene in an immune         cell, which is involved in the expression or presentation of an         antigen marker, said antigen marker being known to be present         both on the surface of said T-cell and the pathological cell;     -   (b) Expressing into said immune cell a transgene encoding a         chimeric antigen receptor directed against said antigen marker         present at the surface of said pathological cell.

The immune cells according to the invention are endowed with a chimeric antigen receptor directed to an antigen marker that is commonly expressed by the pathological cells and immune cells, or known to be present on the surface of said T Cells. The expression “known to be present” means that the antigen marker is reported to be found on the surface of the immune cells grown in natural conditions in-vivo, especially in the blood, but not necessarily when they are cultured in-vitro. In any event, the method of the invention results into the absence of the antigen marker on the surface of the immune cell, thereby preventing the chimeric antigen receptor from reacting with the engineered T-cell surface. In this respect, the method may include a further step of purifying the resulting T-cells by excluding the cells presenting said marker antigen on their surface.

As shown in Table 4, this invention relates to an important number of antigen marker candidates reported to be expressed by tumor cells, but also by T-cells. Some of them, like CD38, have been used as specific markers in diagnostic methods for a while, especially with respect to Leukemia pathological cells, but not in therapy. Indeed, although these markers were identified in the art as quite specific markers, they could not be used as targets for immunotherapy because antibodies directed against these markers would have destroyed or interfered with patients' T-cells. The present inventors have established that CS1 and CD70 are also present on the surface of T-cells and that expressing CARs targeting CS1 and CD70 in such T cells leads to their depletion (see example 2).

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gene mutation or inactivation of step a) of the above method is performed using a rare-cutting endonuclease.

By inactivating a gene it is intended that the gene of interest is not expressed in a functional protein form. In particular embodiments, the genetic modification of the method relies on the expression, in provided cells to engineer, of a rare-cutting endonuclease such that same catalyzes cleavage in one targeted gene thereby inactivating said targeted gene. The nucleic acid strand breaks caused by the endonuclease are commonly repaired through the distinct mechanisms of homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). However, NHEJ is an imperfect repair process that often results in changes to the DNA sequence at the site of the cleavage. Mechanisms involve rejoining of what remains of the two DNA ends through direct re-ligation (Critchlow and Jackson 1998) or via the so-called microhomology-mediated end joining (Betts, Brenchley et al. 2003; Ma, Kim et al. 2003). Repair via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) often results in small insertions or deletions and can be used for the creation of specific gene knockouts. Said modification may be a substitution, deletion, or addition of at least one nucleotide. Cells in which a cleavage-induced mutagenesis event, i.e. a mutagenesis event consecutive to an NHEJ event, has occurred can be identified and/or selected by well-known method in the art.

The term “rare-cutting endonuclease” refers to a wild type or variant enzyme capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis (cleavage) of bonds between nucleic acids within a DNA or RNA molecule, preferably a DNA molecule. Particularly, said nuclease can be an endonuclease, more preferably a rare-cutting endonuclease which is highly specific, recognizing nucleic acid target sites ranging from 10 to 45 base pairs (bp) in length, usually ranging from 10 to 35 base pairs in length, more usually from 12 to 20 base pairs. The endonuclease according to the present invention recognizes at specific polynucleotide sequences, further referred to as “target sequence” and cleaves nucleic acid inside these target sequences or into sequences adjacent thereto, depending on the molecular structure of said endonuclease. The rare-cutting endonuclease can recognize and generate a single- or double-strand break at specific polynucleotides sequences.

In a particular embodiment, said rare-cutting endonuclease according to the present invention is a RNA-guided endonuclease such as the Cas9/CRISPR complex. RNA guided endonucleases constitute a new generation of genome engineering tool where an endonuclease associates with a RNA molecule. In this system, the RNA molecule nucleotide sequence determines the target specificity and activates the endonuclease (Gasiunas, Barrangou et al. 2012; Jinek, Chylinski et al. 2012; Cong, Ran et al. 2013; Mali, Yang et al. 2013).

Cas 9

Cas9, also named Csn1 (COG3513) is a large protein that participates in both crRNA biogenesis and in the destruction of invading DNA. Cas9 has been described in different bacterial species such as S. thermophiles, Listeria innocua (Gasiunas, Barrangou et al. 2012; Jinek, Chylinski et al. 2012) and S. Pyogenes (Deltcheva, Chylinski et al. 2011). The large Cas9 protein (>1200 amino acids) contains two predicted nuclease domains, namely HNH (McrA-like) nuclease domain that is located in the middle of the protein and a splitted RuvC-like nuclease domain (RNase H fold) (Makarova, Grishin et al. (2006).

By “Cas9” is meant an engineered endonuclease or a homologue of Cas9 which is capable of processing target nucleic acid sequence. In particular embodiment, Cas9 can induce a cleavage in the nucleic acid target sequence which can correspond to either a double-stranded break or a single-stranded break. Cas9 variant can be a Cas9 endonuclease that does not naturally exist in nature and that is obtained by protein engineering or by random mutagenesis. Cas9 variants according to the invention can for example be obtained by mutations i.e. deletions from, or insertions or substitutions of at least one residue in the amino acid sequence of a S. pyogenes Cas9 endonuclease (COG3513). In the frame aspects of the present invention, such Cas9 variants remain functional, i.e. they retain the capacity of processing a target nucleic acid sequence. Cas9 variant can also be homologues of S. pyogenes Cas9 which can comprise deletions from, or insertions or substitutions of, at least one residue within the amino acid sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9. Any combination of deletion, insertion, and substitution may also be made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired activity, in particular the capacity of binding a guide RNA or nucleic acid target sequence.

RuvC/RNaseH motif includes proteins that show wide spectra of nucleolytic functions, acting both on RNA and DNA (RNaseH, RuvC, DNA transposases and retroviral integrases and PIWI domain of Argonaut proteins). In the present invention the RuvC catalytic domain of the Cas9 protein can be characterized by the sequence motif: D-[I/L]-G-X-X-S-X-G-W-A, wherein X represents any one of the natural 20 amino acids and [I/L] represents isoleucine or leucine. In other terms, the present invention relates to Cas9 variant which comprises at least D-[I/L]-G-X-X-S-X-G-W-A sequence, wherein X represents any one of the natural 20 amino acids and [I/L] represents isoleucine or leucine.

HNH motif is characteristic of many nucleases that act on double-stranded DNA including colicins, restriction enzymes and homing endonucleases. The domain HNH (SMART ID: SM00507, SCOP nomenclature: HNH family) is associated with a range of DNA binding proteins, performing a variety of binding and cutting functions. The ones with known function are involved in a range of cellular processes including bacterial toxicity, horning functions in groups I and II introns and inteins, recombination, developmentally controlled DNA rearrangement, phage packaging, and restriction endonuclease activity (Dalgaard, Klar et al. 1997). These proteins are found in viruses, archaebacteria, eubacteria, and eukaryotes. Interestingly, as with the LAGLI-DADG and the GIY-YIG motifs, the HNH motif is often associated with endonuclease domains of self-propagating elements like inteins, Group I, and Group II introns (Dalgaard, Klar et al. 1997). The HNH domain can be characterized by the presence of a conserved Asp/His residue flanked by conserved His (amino-terminal) and His/Asp/Glu (carboxy-terminal) residues at some distance. A substantial number of these proteins can also have a CX2C motif on either side of the central Asp/His residue. Structurally, the HNH motif appears as a central hairpin of twisted β-strands, which are flanked on each side by an α helix (Kleanthous, Kuhlmann et al. 1999). The large HNH domain of Cas9 is represented by SEQ ID NO. 5. In the present invention, the HNH motif can be characterized by the sequence motif: Y-X-X-D-H-X-X-P-X-S-X-X-X-D-X-S, wherein X represents any one of the natural 20 amino acids. The present invention relates to a Cas9 variant which comprises at least Y-X-X-D-H-X-X-P-X-S-X-X-X-D-X-S sequence wherein X represents any one of the natural 20 amino acids.

This invention can be of particular interest to easily do targeted multiplex gene modifications and to create an inducible nuclease system by introduction of the guide RNA to the Cas9 cells. For the purpose of the present invention, the inventors have established that Cas9 protein can be divided into two separate split Cas9 RuvC and HNH domains which can process target nucleic acid sequence together or separately with the guide RNA.

Also the RuvC and HNH domains from different RNA guided endonucleases or Cas homologues may be assembled to improve nuclease efficiency or specificity. The domains from different species can be either split into two proteins or fused to each other to form a variant Cas protein. The Cas9 split system is deemed particularly suitable for an inducible method of genome targeting and to avoid the potential toxic effect of the Cas9 overexpression within the cell. Indeed, a first split Cas9 domain can be introduced into the cell, preferably by stably transforming said cell with a transgene encoding said split domain. Then, the complementary split part of Cas9 can be introduced into the cell, such that the two split parts reassemble into the cell to reconstitute a functional Cas9 protein at the desired time.

The reduction of the size of the split Cas9 compared to wild type Cas9 ease the vectorization and the delivery into the cell, for example, by using cell penetrating peptides. Re-arranging domains from different Cas proteins, allows to modulate the specificity and nuclease activity, for instance, by targeting PAM motifs that are slightly different from S. pyogenes Cas9

Split Cas9 System

The previous characterization of the RuvC and HNH domains has prompted the inventors to engineer Cas9 protein to create split Cas9 protein. Surprisingly, the inventors showed that these two split Cas9 could process together or separately the nucleic acid target. This observation allows developing a new Cas9 system using split Cas9 protein. Each split Cas9 domains can be prepared and used separately. Thus, this split system displays several advantages for vectorization and delivery of the RNA guided endonuclease in T-cells, allowing delivering a shorter and/or inactive protein, and is particularly suitable to induce genome engineering in T-cells at the desired time and thus limiting the potential toxicity of an integrated Cas9 nuclease.

By “Split Cas9” is meant here a reduced or truncated form of a Cas9 protein or Cas9 variant, which comprises either a RuvC or HNH domain, but not both of these domains. Such “Split Cas9” can be used independently with guide RNA or in a complementary fashion, like for instance, one Split Cas9 providing a RuvC domain and another providing the HNH domain. Different split RNA guided endonucleases may be used together having either RuvC and/or NHN domains.

Each Cas9 split domain can be derived from the same or from different Cas9 homologues. Many homologues of Cas9 have been identified in genome databases.

Said Cas9 split domains (RuvC and HNH domains) can be simultaneously or sequentially introduced into the cell such that said split Cas9 domain(s) process the target nucleic acid sequence in the cell. Said Cas9 split domains and guide RNA can be introduced into the cell by using cell penetrating peptides or other transfection methods as described elsewhere.

In another aspect of the invention, only one split Cas9 domain, referred to as compact Cas9 is introduced into said cell. Indeed, surprisingly the inventors showed that the split Cas9 domain comprising the RuvC motif as described above is capable of cleaving a target nucleic acid sequence independently of split domain comprising the HNH motif. Thus, they could establish that the guideRNA does not need the presence of the HNH domain to bind to the target nucleic acid sequence and is sufficiently stable to be bound by the RuvC split domain. In a preferred embodiment, said split Cas9 domain alone is capable of nicking said target nucleic acid sequence.

Each split domain can be fused to at least one active domain in the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end, said active domain can be selected from the group consisting of: nuclease (e.g. endonuclease or exonuclease), polymerase, kinase, phosphatase, methylase, demethylase, acetylase, desacetylase, topoisomerase, integrase, transposase, ligase, helicase, recombinase, transcriptional activator (e.g. VP64, VP16), transcriptional inhibitor (e. g; KRAB), DNA end processing enzyme (e.g. Trex2, Tdt), reporter molecule (e.g. fluorescent proteins, lacZ, luciferase).

HNH domain is responsible for nicking of one strand of the target double-stranded DNA and the RuvC-like RNaseH fold domain is involved in nicking of the other strand (comprising the PAM motif) of the double-stranded nucleic acid target (Jinek, Chylinski et al. 2012). However, in wild-type Cas9, these two domains result in blunt cleavage of the invasive DNA within the same target sequence (proto-spacer) in the immediate vicinity of the PAM (Jinek, Chylinski et al. 2012). Cas 9 can be a nickase and induces a nick event within different target sequences.

As non-limiting example, Cas9 or split Cas9 can comprise mutation(s) in the catalytic residues of either the HNH or RuvC-like domains, to induce a nick event within different target sequences. As non-limiting example, the catalytic residues of the Cas9 protein are those corresponding to amino acids D10, D31, H840, H868, N882 and N891 or aligned positions using CLUSTALW method on homologues of Cas Family members. Any of these residues can be replaced by any other amino acids, preferably by alanine residue. Mutation in the catalytic residues means either substitution by another amino acids, or deletion or addition of amino acids that induce the inactivation of at least one of the catalytic domain of cas9. (cf. In a particular embodiment, Cas9 or split Cas9 may comprise one or several of the above mutations. In another particular embodiment, split Cas9 comprises only one of the two RuvC and HNH catalytic domains. In the present invention, Cas9 from different species, Cas9 homologues, Cas9 engineered and functional variant thereof can be used. The invention envisions the use of any RNA guided endonuclease or split RNA guided endonucleases variants to perform nucleic acid cleavage in a genetic sequence of interest.

Preferably, the Cas9 variants according to the invention have an amino acid sequence sharing at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and even more preferably 95% identity with Cas9 of S. Pyogenes (COG3513).

Meganucleases

Rare-cutting endonuclease can also be a homing endonuclease, also known under the name of meganuclease. Such homing endonucleases are well-known to the art (Stoddard 2005). Homing endonucleases are highly specific, recognizing DNA target sites ranging from 12 to 45 base pairs (bp) in length, usually ranging from 14 to 40 bp in length. The homing endonuclease according to the invention may for example correspond to a LAGLIDADG endonuclease, to a HNH endonuclease, or to a GIY-YIG endonuclease. Preferred homing endonuclease according to the present invention can be an I-CreI variant. A “variant” endonuclease, i.e. an endonuclease that does not naturally exist in nature and that is obtained by genetic engineering or by random mutagenesis can bind DNA sequences different from that recognized by wild-type endonucleases (see international application WO2006/097854).

Said rare-cutting endonuclease can be a modular DNA binding nuclease. By modular DNA binding nuclease is meant any fusion proteins comprising at least one catalytic domain of an endonuclease and at least one DNA binding domain or protein specifying a nucleic acid target sequence. The DNA binding domain is generally a RNA or DNA-binding domain formed by an independently folded polypeptide or protein domain that contains at least one motif that recognizes double- or single-stranded polynucleotides. Many such polypeptides have been described in the art having the ability to bind specific nucleic acid sequences. Such binding domains often comprise, as non-limiting examples, helix-turn helix domains, leucine zipper domains, winged helix domains, helix-loop-helix domains, HMG-box domains, Immunoglobin domains, B3 domain or engineered zinc finger domain.

Zinc-Finger Nucleases

Initially developed to cleave DNA in vitro, “Zinc Finger Nucleases” (ZFNs) are a fusion between the cleavage domain of the type IIS restriction enzyme, FokI, and a DNA recognition domain containing 3 or more C2H2 zinc finger motifs. The heterodimerization at a particular position in the DNA of two individual ZFNs in precise orientation and spacing leads to a double-strand break (DSB) in the DNA. The use of such chimeric endonucleases have been extensively reported in the art as reviewed by Urnov et al. (Genome editing with engineered zinc finger nucleases (2010) Nature reviews Genetics 11:636-646).

Standard ZFNs fuse the cleavage domain to the C-terminus of each zinc finger domain. In order to allow the two cleavage domains to dimerize and cleave DNA, the two individual ZFNs bind opposite strands of DNA with their C-termini a certain distance apart. The most commonly used linker sequences between the zinc finger domain and the cleavage domain requires the 5′ edge of each binding site to be separated by 5 to 7 bp.

The most straightforward method to generate new zinc-finger arrays is to combine smaller zinc-finger “modules” of known specificity. The most common modular assembly process involves combining three separate zinc fingers that can each recognize a 3 base pair DNA sequence to generate a 3-finger array that can recognize a 9 base pair target site. Numerous selection methods have been used to generate zinc-finger arrays capable of targeting desired sequences. Initial selection efforts utilized phage display to select proteins that bound a given DNA target from a large pool of partially randomized zinc-finger arrays. More recent efforts have utilized yeast one-hybrid systems, bacterial one-hybrid and two-hybrid systems, and mammalian cells.

TAL-Nucleases

“TALE-nuclease” or “MBBBD-nuclease” refers to engineered proteins resulting from the fusion of a DNA binding domain typically derived from Transcription Activator Like Effector proteins (TALE) or Modular Base-per-Base Binding domain (MBBBD), with a catalytic domain having endonuclease activity. Such catalytic domain usually comes from enzymes, such as for instance I-TevI, ColE7, NucA and Fok-I. TALE-nuclease can be formed under monomeric or dimeric forms depending of the selected catalytic domain (WO2012138927). Such engineered TALE-nucleases are commercially available under the trade name TALEN™ (Cellectis, 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 Paris, France).

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the DNA binding domain is derived from a Transcription Activator like Effector (TALE), wherein sequence specificity is driven by a series of 33-35 amino acids repeats originating from Xanthomonas or Ralstonia bacterial proteins AvrBs3, PthXo1, AvrHah1, PthA, Tal1c as non-limiting examples.

These repeats differ essentially by two amino acids positions that specify an interaction with a base pair (Boch, Scholze et al. 2009; Moscou and Bogdanove 2009). Each base pair in the DNA target is contacted by a single repeat, with the specificity resulting from the two variant amino acids of the repeat (the so-called repeat variable dipeptide, RVD). TALE binding domains may further comprise an N-terminal translocation domain responsible for the requirement of a first thymine base (T0) of the targeted sequence and a C-terminal domain that containing a nuclear localization signals (NLS). A TALE nucleic acid binding domain generally corresponds to an engineered core TALE scaffold comprising a plurality of TALE repeat sequences, each repeat comprising a RVD specific to each nucleotides base of a TALE recognition site. In the present invention, each TALE repeat sequence of said core scaffold is made of 30 to 42 amino acids, more preferably 33 or 34 wherein two critical amino acids (the so-called repeat variable dipeptide, RVD) located at positions 12 and 13 mediates the recognition of one nucleotide of said TALE binding site sequence; equivalent two critical amino acids can be located at positions other than 12 and 13 specially in TALE repeat sequence taller than 33 or 34 amino acids long. Preferably, RVDs associated with recognition of the different nucleotides are HD for recognizing C, NG for recognizing T, NI for recognizing A, NN for recognizing G or A. In another embodiment, critical amino acids 12 and 13 can be mutated towards other amino acid residues in order to modulate their specificity towards nucleotides A, T, C and G and in particular to enhance this specificity. A TALE nucleic acid binding domain usually comprises between 8 and 30 TALE repeat sequences. More preferably, said core scaffold of the present invention comprises between 8 and 20 TALE repeat sequences; again more preferably 15 TALE repeat sequences. It can also comprise an additional single truncated TALE repeat sequence made of 20 amino acids located at the C-terminus of said set of TALE repeat sequences, i.e. an additional C-terminal half-TALE repeat sequence.

Other engineered DNA binding domains can be used as alternative sequences to form so-called modular base-per-base specific nucleic acid binding domains (MBBBD) as described in WO 2014/018601. Said MBBBD can be engineered, for instance, from newly identified proteins, namely EAV36_BURRH, E5AW43_BURRH, E5AW45_BURRH and E5AW46_BURRH proteins from the recently sequenced genome of the endosymbiont fungi Burkholderia Rhizoxinica (Lackner, Moebius et al. 2011). These nucleic acid binding polypeptides comprise modules of about 31 to 33 amino acids that are base specific. These modules display less than 40% sequence identity with Xanthomonas TALE common repeats and present more polypeptides sequence variability. The different domains from the above proteins (modules, N and C-terminals) from Burkholderia and Xanthomonas are useful to engineer new proteins or scaffolds having binding properties to specific nucleic acid sequences and may be combined to form chimeric TALE-MBBBD proteins.

As examples, the present invention encompasses a method for engineered T-cells in order to inactivate the expression of the genes encoding antigen markers such as CD38, CS1 and CD70 by using specific TALE-nucleases.

Particularly suitable for the realization of the invention, TALE-nucleases such as the ones in SEQ ID NO: 2-3; 5-6; 8-9, SEQ ID NO: 64-65; 67-68; 70-71 and SEQ ID NO: 73-74; 76-77; 79-80 for respectively CD38, CS1 and CD70 genes. These specific TALE-nucleases, their sequence target and the protocol used are presented more thoroughly in the following Examples 1-3.

Delivery Methods

The inventors have considered any means known in the art to allow delivery inside cells or subcellular compartments of said cells the polynucleotides expressing the endonucleases, their possible co-effectors (e.g. guide RNA or DNA associated with Cas9 or Argonaute nucleases) as well as the chimeric antigen receptors. These means include viral transduction, electroporation and also liposomal delivery means, polymeric carriers, chemical carriers, lipoplexes, polyplexes, dendrimers, nanoparticles, emulsion, natural endocytosis or phagocytose pathway as non-limiting examples.

As a preferred embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides encoding the endonucleases of the present invention are transfected under mRNA form in order to obtain transient expression and avoid chromosomal integration of foreign DNA, for example by electroporation. The inventors have determined different optimal conditions for mRNA electroporation in T-cell displayed in Table 1. The inventor used the cytoPulse technology which allows, by the use of pulsed electric fields, to transiently permeabilize living cells for delivery of material into the cells (U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,613 and WO 2004/083379). Pulse duration, intensity as well as the interval between pulses can be modified in order to reach the best conditions for high transfection efficiency with minimal mortality. Basically, the first high electric field pulses allow pore formation, while subsequent lower electric field pulses allow to moving the polynucleotide into the cell. In one aspect of the present invention, the inventor describe the steps that led to achievement of >95% transfection efficiency of mRNA in T cells, and the use of the electroporation protocol to transiently express different kind of proteins in T cells. In particular the invention relates to a method of transforming T cell comprising contacting said T cell with RNA and applying to T cell an agile pulse sequence consisting of:

-   -   (a) one electrical pulse with a voltage range from 2250 to 3000         V per centimeter, a pulse width of 0.1 ms and a pulse interval         of 0.2 to 10 ms between the electrical pulses of step (a) and         (b);     -   (b) one electrical pulse with a voltage range from 2250 to 3000         V with a pulse width of 100 ms and a pulse interval of 100 ms         between the electrical pulse of step (b) and the first         electrical pulse of step (c); and     -   (c) 4 electrical pulses with a voltage of 325 V with a pulse         width of 0.2 ms and a pulse interval of 2 ms between each of 4         electrical pulses.         In particular embodiment, the method of transforming T cell         comprising contacting said T cell with RNA and applying to T         cell an agile pulse sequence consisting of:     -   (a) one electrical pulse with a voltage of 2250, 2300, 2350,         2400, 2450, 2500, 2550, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900         or 3000V per centimeter, a pulse width of 0.1 ms and a pulse         interval of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 ms between         the electrical pulses of step (a) and (b);     -   (b) one electrical pulse with a voltage range from 2250, of         2250, 2300, 2350, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2550, 2400, 2450, 2500,         2600, 2700, 2800, 2900 or 3000V with a pulse width of 100 ms and         a pulse interval of 100 ms between the electrical pulse of         step (b) and the first electrical pulse of step (c); and     -   (c) 4 electrical pulses with a voltage of 325 V with a pulse         width of 0.2 ms and a pulse interval of 2 ms between each of 4         electrical pulses.         Any values included in the value range described above are         disclosed in the present application. Electroporation medium can         be any suitable medium known in the art. Preferably, the         electroporation medium has conductivity in a range spanning 0.01         to 1.0 milliSiemens.

TABLE 1 Different cytopulse programs used to determine the minimal voltage required for electroporation in PBMC derived T-cells. Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Cyto-pulse Pul- duration Interval Pul- duration Interval Pul- duration Interval program ses V (ms) (ms) ses V (ms) (ms) ses V (ms) (ms) 1 1 600 0.1 0.2 1 600 0.1 100 4 130 0.2 2 2 1 900 0.1 0.2 1 900 0.1 100 4 130 0.2 2 3 1 1200 0.1 0.2 1 1200 0.1 100 4 130 0.2 2 4 1 1200 0.1 10 1 900 0.1 100 4 130 0.2 2 5 1 900 0.1 20 1 600 0.1 100 4 130 0.2 2

Viral Transduction

According to the present invention, the use of retroviral vectors and more preferably of lentiviral vectors is particularly suited for expressing the chimeric antigen receptors into the T-cells. Methods for viral transduction are well known in the art (Walther et al. (2000) Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer. Drugs. 60(4:249-271). Integrative viral vectors allow the stable integration of the polynucleotides in the T-cells genome and to expressing the chimeric antigen receptors over a longer period of time.

Non Alloreactive T Cells

Although the method of the invention could be carried out in-vivo as part of a gene therapy, for instance, by using viral vectors targeting T-cells in blood circulation, which would include genetic sequences expressing a specific rare-cutting endonuclease along with other genetic sequences expressing a CAR, the method of the invention is more generally intended to be practiced ex-vivo on cultured T-cells obtainable from patients or donors. The engineered T-cells engineered ex-vivo can be either re-implanted into a patient from where they originate, as part of an autologous treatment, or to be used as part of an allogeneic treatment. In this later case, it is preferable to further engineer the cells to make them non-alloreactive to ensure their proper engraftment. Accordingly, the method of the invention may include additional steps of procuring the T-cells from a donor and to inactivate genes thereof involved in MHC recognition and or being targets of immunosuppressive drugs such as described for instance in WO 2013/176915.

T cell receptors (TCR) are cell surface receptors that participate in the activation of T cells in response to the presentation of antigen. The TCR is generally made from two chains, alpha and beta, which assemble to form a heterodimer and associates with the CD3-transducing subunits to form the T-cell receptor complex present on the cell surface. Each alpha and beta chain of the TCR consists of an immunoglobulin-like N-terminal variable (V) and constant (C) region, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic region. As for immunoglobulin molecules, the variable region of the alpha and beta chains are generated by V(D)J recombination, creating a large diversity of antigen specificities within the population of T cells. However, in contrast to immunoglobulins that recognize intact antigen, T cells are activated by processed peptide fragments in association with an MHC molecule, introducing an extra dimension to antigen recognition by T cells, known as MHC restriction. Recognition of MHC disparities between the donor and recipient through the T cell receptor leads to T cell proliferation and the potential development of GVHD. It has been shown that normal surface expression of the TCR depends on the coordinated synthesis and assembly of all seven components of the complex (Ashwell and Klusner 1990). The inactivation of TCRalpha or TCRbeta can result in the elimination of the TCR from the surface of T cells preventing recognition of alloantigen and thus GVHD.

Thus, still according to the invention, engraftment of the T-cells may be improved by inactivating at least one gene encoding a TCR component. TCR is rendered not functional in the cells by inactivating TCR alpha gene and/or TCR beta gene(s).

With respect to the use of Cas9/CRISPR system, the inventors have determined appropriate target sequences within the 3 exons encoding TCR, allowing a significant reduction of toxicity in living cells, while retaining cleavage efficiency. The preferred target sequences are noted in Table 2 (+ for lower ratio of TCR negative cells, ++ for intermediate ratio, +++ for higher ratio).

TABLE 2 appropriate target sequences for the guide RNA using Cas9 in T-cells Exon TCR Position Strand Target genomic sequence SEQ ID efficiency Ex1 78 −1 GAGAATCAAAATCGGTGAATAGG 102 +++ Ex3 26 1 TTCAAAACCTGTCAGTGATTGGG 103 +++ Ex1 153 1 TGTGCTAGACATGAGGTCTATGG 104 +++ Ex3 74 −1 CGTCATGAGCAGATTAAACCCGG 105 +++ Ex1 4 −1 TCAGGGTTCTGGATATCTGTGGG 106 +++ Ex1 5 −1 GTCAGGGTTCTGGATATCTGTGG 107 +++ Ex3 33 −1 TTCGGAACCCAATCACTGACAGG 108 +++ Ex3 60 −1 TAAACCCGGCCACTTTCAGGAGG 109 +++ Ex1 200 −1 AAAGTCAGATTTGTTGCTCCAGG 110 ++ Ex1 102 1 AACAAATGTGTCACAAAGTAAGG 111 ++ Ex1 39 −1 TGGATTTAGAGTCTCTCAGCTGG 112 ++ Ex1 59 −1 TAGGCAGACAGACTTGTCACTGG 113 ++ Ex1 22 −1 AGCTGGTACACGGCAGGGTCAGG 114 ++ Ex1 21 −1 GCTGGTACACGGCAGGGTCAGGG 115 ++ Ex1 28 −1 TCTCTCAGCTGGTACACGGCAGG 116 ++ Ex3 25 1 TTTCAAAACCTGTCAGTGATTGG 117 ++ Ex3 63 −1 GATTAAACCCGGCCACTTTCAGG 118 ++ Ex2 17 −1 CTCGACCAGCTTGACATCACAGG 119 ++ Ex1 32 −1 AGAGTCTCTCAGCTGGTACACGG 120 ++ Ex1 27 −1 CTCTCAGCTGGTACACGGCAGGG 121 ++ Ex2 12 1 AAGTTCCTGTGATGTCAAGCTGG 122 ++ Ex3 55 1 ATCCTCCTCCTGAAAGTGGCCGG 123 ++ Ex3 86 1 TGCTCATGACGCTGCGGCTGTGG 124 ++ Ex1 146 1 ACAAAACTGTGCTAGACATGAGG 125 + Ex1 86 −1 ATTTGTTTGAGAATCAAAATCGG 126 + Ex2 3 −1 CATCACAGGAACTTTCTAAAAGG 127 + Ex2 34 1 GTCGAGAAAAGCTTTGAAACAGG 128 + Ex3 51 −1 CCACTTTCAGGAGGAGGATTCGG 129 + Ex3 18 −1 CTGACAGGTTTTGAAAGTTTAGG 130 + Ex2 43 1 AGCTTTGAAACAGGTAAGACAGG 131 + Ex1 236 −1 TGGAATAATGCTGTTGTTGAAGG 132 + Ex1 182 1 AGAGCAACAGTGCTGTGGCCTGG 133 + Ex3 103 1 CTGTGGTCCAGCTGAGGTGAGGG 134 + Ex3 97 1 CTGCGGCTGTGGTCCAGCTGAGG 135 + Ex3 104 1 TGTGGTCCAGCTGAGGTGAGGGG 136 + Ex1 267 1 CTTCTTCCCCAGCCCAGGTAAGG 137 + Ex1 15 −1 ACACGGCAGGGTCAGGGTTCTGG 138 + Ex1 177 1 CTTCAAGAGCAACAGTGCTGTGG 139 + Ex1 256 −1 CTGGGGAAGAAGGTGTCTTCTGG 140 + Ex3 56 1 TCCTCCTCCTGAAAGTGGCCGGG 141 + Ex3 80 1 TTAATCTGCTCATGACGCTGCGG 142 + Ex3 57 −1 ACCCGGCCACTTTCAGGAGGAGG 143 + Ex1 268 1 TTCTTCCCCAGCCCAGGTAAGGG 144 + Ex1 266 −1 CTTACCTGGGCTGGGGAAGAAGG 145 + Ex1 262 1 GACACCTTCTTCCCCAGCCCAGG 146 + Ex3 102 1 GCTGTGGTCCAGCTGAGGTGAGG 147 + Ex3 51 1 CCGAATCCTCCTCCTGAAAGTGG 148 +

MHC antigens are also proteins that played a major role in transplantation reactions. Rejection is mediated by T cells reacting to the histocompatibility antigens on the surface of implanted tissues, and the largest group of these antigens is the major histocompatibility antigens (MHC). These proteins are expressed on the surface of all higher vertebrates and are called HLA antigens (for human leukocyte antigens) in human cells. Like TCR, the MHC proteins serve a vital role in T cell stimulation. Antigen presenting cells (often dendritic cells) display peptides that are the degradation products of foreign proteins on the cell surface on the MHC. In the presence of a co-stimulatory signal, the T cell becomes activated, and will act on a target cell that also displays that same peptide/MHC complex. For example, a stimulated T helper cell will target a macrophage displaying an antigen in conjunction with its MHC, or a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) will act on a virally infected cell displaying foreign viral peptides.

Thus, in order to provide less alloreactive T-cells, the method of the invention can further comprise the step of inactivating or mutating one HLA gene.

The class I HLA gene cluster in humans comprises three major loci, B, C and A, as well as several minor loci. The class II HLA cluster also comprises three major loci, DP, DQ and DR, and both the class I and class II gene clusters are polymorphic, in that there are several different alleles of both the class I and II genes within the population. There are also several accessory proteins that play a role in HLA functioning as well. The TapI and Tap2 subunits are parts of the TAP transporter complex that is essential in loading peptide antigens on to the class I HLA complexes, and the LMP2 and LMP7 proteosome subunits play roles in the proteolytic degradation of antigens into peptides for display on the HLA. Reduction in LMP7 has been shown to reduce the amount of MHC class I at the cell surface, perhaps through a lack of stabilization (Fehling et al. (1999) Science 265:1234-1237). In addition to TAP and LMP, there is the tapasin gene, whose product forms a bridge between the TAP complex and the HLA class I chains and enhances peptide loading. Reduction in tapasin results in cells with impaired MHC class I assembly, reduced cell surface expression of the MHC class I and impaired immune responses (Grandea et al. (2000) Immunity 13:213-222 and Garbi et al. (2000) Nat. Immunol. 1:234-238). Any of the above genes may be inactivated as part of the present invention as disclosed, for instance in WO 2012/012667.

Method of Engineering Drug-Resistant T-Cells:

To improve cancer therapy and selective engraftment of allogeneic T-cells, drug resistance can be conferred to the engineered T-cells to protect them from the toxic side effects of chemotherapy or immunosuppressive agents. Indeed, the inventors have observed that most patients were treated with chemotherapy and immune depleting agents as a standard of care, prior to receiving T-cell immunotherapy. Also they found that they could take advantage of these treatments to help the selection of the engineered T-cells, either by adding chemotherapy drugs in culture media for expansion of the cells ex-vivo prior to treatment, or by obtaining a selective expansion of the engineered T-cells in-vivo in patients under chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments.

Also the drug resistance of T-cells also permits their enrichment in or ex vivo, as T-cells which express the drug resistance gene, will survive and multiply relative to drug sensitive cells. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of engineering allogeneic and drug resistance T-cells resistant for immunotherapy comprising:

(a) Providing a T-cell;

(b) Selecting at least one drug;

(c) Modifying T-cell to confer drug resistance to said T-cell;

(d) Expanding said engineered T-cell in the presence of said drug, and optionally the preceding steps may be combined with the steps of the methods as previously described.

Drug resistance can be conferred to a T-cell by inactivating one or more gene(s) responsible for the cell's sensitivity to the drug (drug sensitizing gene(s)), such as the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) gene (Genbank: M26434.1). In particular HPRT can be inactivated in engineered T-cells to confer resistance to a cytostatic metabolite, the 6-thioguanine (6TG) which is converted by HPRT to cytotoxic thioguanine nucleotide and which is currently used to treat patients with cancer, in particular leukemias (Hacke, Treger et al. 2013). Another example if the inactivation of the CD3 normally expressed at the surface of the T-cell can confer resistance to anti-CD3 antibodies such as teplizumab.

Drug resistance can also be conferred to a T-cell by expressing a drug resistance gene. Said drug resistance gene refers to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes “resistance” to an agent, such as a chemotherapeutic agent (e.g. methotrexate). In other words, the expression of the drug resistance gene in a cell permits proliferation of the cells in the presence of the agent to a greater extent than the proliferation of a corresponding cell without the drug resistance gene. A drug resistance gene of the invention can encode resistance to anti-metabolite, methotrexate, vinblastine, cisplatin, alkylating agents, anthracyclines, cytotoxic antibiotics, anti-immunophilins, their analogs or derivatives, and the like.

Variant alleles of several genes such as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2), calcineurin or methylguanine transferase (MGMT) have been identified to confer drug resistance to a cell. Said drug resistance gene can be expressed in the cell either by introducing a transgene encoding said gene into the cell or by integrating said drug resistance gene into the genome of the cell by homologous recombination. Several other drug resistance genes have been identified that can potentially be used to confer drug resistance to targeted cells (Takebe, Zhao et al. 2001; Sugimoto, Tsukahara et al. 2003; Zielske, Reese et al. 2003; Nivens, Felder et al. 2004; Bardenheuer, Lehmberg et al. 2005; Kushman, Kabler et al. 2007).

DHFR is an enzyme involved in regulating the amount of tetrahydrofolate in the cell and is essential to DNA synthesis. Folate analogs such as methotrexate (MTX) inhibit DHFR and are thus used as anti-neoplastic agents in clinic. Different mutant forms of DHFR which have increased resistance to inhibition by anti-folates used in therapy have been described. In a particular embodiment, the drug resistance gene according to the present invention can be a nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutant form of human wild type DHFR (GenBank: AAH71996.1) which comprises at least one mutation conferring resistance to an anti-folate treatment, such as methotrexate. In particular embodiment, mutant form of DHFR comprises at least one mutated amino acid at position G15, L22, F31 or F34, preferably at positions L22 or F31 ((Schweitzer, Dicker et al. 1990); International application WO 94/24277; U.S. Pat. No. 6,642,043).

As used herein, “antifolate agent” or “folate analogs” refers to a molecule directed to interfere with the folate metabolic pathway at some level. Examples of antifolate agents include, e.g., methotrexate (MTX); aminopterin; trimetrexate (Neutrexin™); edatrexate; N10-propargyl-5,8-dideazafolic acid (CB3717); ZD1694 (Tumodex), 5,8-dideazaisofolic acid (IAHQ); 5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolic acid (DDATHF); 5-deazafolic acid; PT523 (N alpha-(4-amino-4-deoxypteroyl)-N delta-hemiphthaloyl-L-ornithine); 10-ethyl-10-deazaaminopterin (DDATHF, lomatrexol); piritrexim; 10-EDAM; ZD1694; GW1843; Pemetrexate and PDX (10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin).

Another example of drug resistance gene can also be a mutant or modified form of ionisine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase II (IMPDH2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides. The mutant or modified form of IMPDH2 is a IMPDH inhibitor resistance gene. IMPDH inhibitors can be mycophenolic acid (MPA) or its prodrug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The mutant IMPDH2 can comprises at least one, preferably two mutations in the MAP binding site of the wild type human IMPDH2 (NP_000875.2) that lead to a significantly increased resistance to IMPDH inhibitor. The mutations are preferably at positions T333 and/or S351 (Yarn, Jensen et al. 2006; Sangiolo, Lesnikova et al. 2007; Jonnalagadda, Brown et al. 2013). In a particular embodiment, the threonine residue at position 333 is replaced with an isoleucine residue and the serine residue at position 351 is replaced with a tyrosine residue.

Another drug resistance gene is the mutant form of calcineurin. Calcineurin (PP2B) is an ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine protein phosphatase that is involved in many biological processes and which is central to T-cell activation. Calcineurin is a heterodimer composed of a catalytic subunit (CnA; three isoforms) and a regulatory subunit (CnB; two isoforms). After engagement of the T-cell receptor, calcineurin dephosphorylates the transcription factor NFAT, allowing it to translocate to the nucleus and active key target gene such as IL2. FK506 in complex with FKBP12, or cyclosporine A (CsA) in complex with CyPA block NFAT access to calcineurin's active site, preventing its dephosphorylation and thereby inhibiting T-cell activation (Brewin, Mancao et al. 2009). The drug resistance gene of the present invention can be a nucleic acid sequence encoding a mutant form of calcineurin resistant to calcineurin inhibitor such as FK506 and/or CsA. In a particular embodiment, said mutant form can comprise at least one mutated amino acid of the wild type calcineurin heterodimer a at positions: V314, Y341, M347, T351, W352, L354, K360, preferably double mutations at positions T351 and L354 or V314 and Y341. Correspondence of amino acid positions described herein is frequently expressed in terms of the positions of the amino acids of the form of wild-type human calcineurin heterodimer (GenBank: ACX34092.1).

In another particular embodiment, said mutant form can comprise at least one mutated amino acid of the wild type calcineurin heterodimer b at positions: V120, N123, L124 or K125, preferably double mutations at positions L124 and K125. Correspondence of amino acid positions described herein is frequently expressed in terms of the positions of the amino acids of the form of wild-type human calcineurin heterodimer b polypeptide (GenBank: ACX34095.1).

Another drug resistance gene is 0(6)-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) encoding human alkyl guanine transferase (hAGT). AGT is a DNA repair protein that confers resistance to the cytotoxic effects of alkylating agents, such as nitrosoureas and temozolomide (TMZ). 6-benzylguanine (6-BG) is an inhibitor of AGT that potentiates nitrosourea toxicity and is co-administered with TMZ to potentiate the cytotoxic effects of this agent. Several mutant forms of MGMT that encode variants of AGT are highly resistant to inactivation by 6-BG, but retain their ability to repair DNA damage (Maze, Kurpad et al. 1999). In a particular embodiment, AGT mutant form can comprise a mutated amino acid of the wild type AGT position P140 (UniProtKB: P16455).

Another drug resistance gene can be multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) gene. This gene encodes a membrane glycoprotein, known as P-glycoprotein (P-GP) involved in the transport of metabolic byproducts across the cell membrane. The P-Gp protein displays broad specificity towards several structurally unrelated chemotherapy agents. Thus, drug resistance can be conferred to cells by the expression of nucleic acid sequence that encodes MDR-1 (NP_000918).

Drug resistance gene can also be cytotoxic antibiotics, such as ble gene or mcrA gene. Ectopic expression of ble gene or mcrA in an immune cell gives a selective advantage when exposed to the chemotherapeutic agent, respectively the bleomycine or the mitomycin C.

The T-cells can also be made resistant to immunosuppressive agents. An immunosuppressive agent is an agent that suppresses immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. In other words, an immunosuppressive agent is a role played by a compound which is exhibited by a capability to diminish the extent and/or voracity of an immune response. As non-limiting example, an immunosuppressive agent can be a calcineurin inhibitor, a target of rapamycin, an interleukin-2 α-chain blocker, an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, an inhibitor of dihydrofolic acid reductase, a corticosteroid or an immunosuppressive antimetabolite. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of T-cells or by inhibiting the activation of helper cells. The method according to the invention allows conferring immunosuppressive resistance to T cells for immunotherapy by inactivating the target of the immunosuppressive agent in T cells. As non-limiting examples, targets for immunosuppressive agent can be a receptor for an immunosuppressive agent such as: CD52, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a FKBP family gene member and a cyclophilin family gene member.

In immunocompetent hosts, allogeneic cells are normally rapidly rejected by the host immune system. It has been demonstrated that, allogeneic leukocytes present in non-irradiated blood products will persist for no more than 5 to 6 days. Thus, to prevent rejection of allogeneic cells, the host's immune system must be effectively suppressed. Glucocorticoidsteroids are widely used therapeutically for immunosuppression. This class of steroid hormones binds to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) present in the cytosol of T cells resulting in the translocation into the nucleus and the binding of specific DNA motifs that regulate the expression of a number of genes involved in the immunologic process. Treatment of T cells with glucocorticoid steroids results in reduced levels of cytokine production leading to T cell anergy and interfering in T cell activation. Alemtuzumab, also known as CAMPATH1-H, is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD52, a 12 amino acid glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol- (GPI) linked glycoprotein (Waldmann and Hale, 2005). CD52 is expressed at high levels on T and B lymphocytes and lower levels on monocytes while being absent on granulocytes and bone marrow precursors. Treatment with Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against CD52, has been shown to induce a rapid depletion of circulating lymphocytes and monocytes. It is frequently used in the treatment of T cell lymphomas and in certain cases as part of a conditioning regimen for transplantation. However, in the case of adoptive immunotherapy the use of immunosuppressive drugs will also have a detrimental effect on the introduced therapeutic T cells. Therefore, to effectively use an adoptive immunotherapy approach in these conditions, the introduced cells would need to be resistant to the immunosuppressive treatment.

As a preferred embodiment of the above steps, said gene of step (b), specific for an immunosuppressive treatment, is CD52, and the immunosuppressive treatment of step (d) comprises a humanized antibody targeting CD52 antigen. As another embodiment, said gene of step (b), specific for an immunosuppressive treatment, is a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the immunosuppressive treatment of step d) comprises a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone. As another embodiment, said target gene of step (b), specific for an immunosuppressive treatment, is a FKBP family gene member or a variant thereof and the immunosuppressive treatment of step (d) comprises FK506 also known as Tacrolimus or fujimycin. As another embodiment, said FKBP family gene member is FKBP12 or a variant thereof. As another embodiment, said gene of step (b), specific for an immunosuppressive treatment, is a cyclophilin family gene member or a variant thereof and the immunosuppressive treatment of step (d) comprises cyclosporine.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the genetic modification step of the method relies on the inactivation of two genes selected from the group consisting of CD52 and GR, CD52 and TCR alpha, CDR52 and TCR beta, GR and TCR alpha, GR and TCR beta, TCR alpha and TCR beta. In another embodiment, the genetic modification step of the method relies on the inactivation of more than two genes. The genetic modification is preferably operated ex-vivo using at least two RNA guides targeting the different genes.

By inactivating a gene it is intended that the gene of interest is not expressed in a functional protein form.

Engineering Highly Active T Cells for Immunotherapy

According to the present invention, the T-cells can be selected from the group consisting of inflammatory T-lymphocytes, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, regulatory T-lymphocytes or helper T-lymphocytes. In another embodiment, said cell can be derived from the group consisting of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. They can be extracted from blood or derived from stem cells. The stem cells can be adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, more particularly non-human stem cells, cord blood stem cells, progenitor cells, bone marrow stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, totipotent stem cells or hematopoietic stem cells. Representative human cells are CD34+ cells. Prior to expansion and genetic modification of the cells of the invention, a source of cells can be obtained from a subject through a variety of non-limiting methods. T-cells can be obtained from a number of non-limiting sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, cord blood, thymus tissue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, and tumors. In certain embodiments of the present invention, any number of T cell lines available and known to those skilled in the art, may be used. In another embodiment, said cell can be derived from a healthy donor, from a patient diagnosed with cancer or from a patient diagnosed with an infection. In another embodiment, said cell is part of a mixed population of cells which present different phenotypic characteristics. In the scope of the present invention is also encompassed a cell line obtained from a transformed T-cell according to the method previously described.

As a further aspect of the invention, the T-cells according to the invention may be further engineered, preferably genetically engineered, to enhance their activity and/or activation, especially by modulating the expression of proteins involved in overall T-cell regulation, referred to as “immune-checkpoints”.

Immune Check Points

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the term “immune checkpoints” means a group of molecules expressed by T cells. These molecules effectively serve as “brakes” to down-modulate or inhibit an immune response. Immune checkpoint molecules include, but are not limited to Programmed Death 1 (PD-1, also known as PDCD1 or CD279, accession number: NM_005018), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4, also known as CD152, GenBank accession number AF414120.1), LAG3 (also known as CD223, accession number: NM_002286.5), Tim3 (also known as HAVCR2, GenBank accession number: JX049979.1), BTLA (also known as CD272, accession number: NM_181780.3), BY55 (also known as CD160, GenBank accession number: CR541888.1), TIGIT (also known as IVSTM3, accession number: NM_173799), LAIR1 (also known as CD305, GenBank accession number: CR542051.1, {Meyaard, 1997 #122}), SIGLEC10 (GeneBank accession number: AY358337.1), 2B4 (also known as CD244, accession number: NM_001166664.1), PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, CD96, CRTAM, SIGLEC7 {Nicoll, 1999 #123}, SIGLEC9 {Zhang, 2000 #124; Ikehara, 2004 #125}, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, TGFBRII, TGFRBRI, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAG1, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF {Quigley, 2010 #121}, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCY1B2, GUCY1B3 which directly inhibit immune cells. For example, CTLA-4 is a cell-surface protein expressed on certain CD4 and CD8 T cells; when engaged by its ligands (B7-1 and B7-2) on antigen presenting cells, T-cell activation and effector function are inhibited. Thus the present invention relates to a method of engineering T-cells, especially for immunotherapy, comprising genetically modifying T-cells by inactivating at least one protein involved in the immune check-point, in particular PD1 and/or CTLA-4 or any immune-checkpoint proteins referred to in Table 3.

TABLE 3 List of genes encoding immune checkpoint proteins. Genes that can be inactivated Pathway In the pathway Co-inhibitory CTLA4 (CD152) CTLA4, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, receptors PTPN6, PTPN22 PDCD1 (PD-1, CD279) PDCD1 CD223 (lag3) LAG3 HAVCR2 (tim3) HAVCR2 BTLA(cd272) BTLA CD160(by55) CD160 IgSF family TIGIT CD96 CRTAM LAIR1(cd305) LAIR1 SIGLECs SIGLEC7 SIGLEC9 CD244(2b4) CD244 Death TRAIL TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, receptors CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7 FAS FADD, FAS Cytokine TGF-beta signaling TGFBRII, TGFBRI, SMAD2, signalling SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1 IL10 signalling IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2 IL6 signalling IL6R, IL6ST Arginine/ EIF2AK4 tryptophan starvation Prevention CSK, PAG1 of TCR signalling SIT1 Induced Treg induced Treg FOXP3 Transcription transcription factors PRDM1 (=blimp1, factors controlling exhaustion heterozygotes mice control controlling chronic viral infection better exhaustion than wt or conditional KO) BATF Hypoxia iNOS induced GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, mediated guanylated cyclase GUCY1B2, GUCY1B3 tolerance

Engineered T-Cells Expressing Chimeric Antigen Receptors Against Pathological Cells

The chimeric antigen receptors introduced into the T-cells according to the invention can adopt different design such as single-chain or multi-chain CARs. These different designs allow various strategies for improving specificity and binding efficiency towards the targeted pathological cells.

Some of these strategies are illustrated in the figures of the present application. Single-chain CARs are the most classical version in the art. Multi-chain CAR architectures were developed by the applicant as allowing modulation of the activity of T-cells in terms of specificity and intensity. The multiple subunits can shelter additional co-stimulation domains or keep such domains at a distance, as well as other types of receptors, whereas classical single chain architecture can sometimes be regarded as too much sensitive and less permissive to multispecific interactions.

Single-Chain CAR

Adoptive immunotherapy, which involves the transfer of autologous antigen-specific T cells generated ex vivo, is a promising strategy to treat viral infections and cancer. The T cells used for adoptive immunotherapy can be generated either by expansion of antigen-specific T cells or redirection of T cells through genetic engineering (Park, Rosenberg et al. 2011). Transfer of viral antigen specific T cells is a well-established procedure used for the treatment of transplant associated viral infections and rare viral-related malignancies. Similarly, isolation and transfer of tumor specific T cells has been shown to be successful in treating melanoma.

Novel specificities in T cells have been successfully generated through the genetic transfer of transgenic T cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) (Jena, Dotti et al. 2010). CARs are synthetic receptors consisting of a targeting moiety that is associated with one or more signaling domains in a single fusion molecule. In general, the binding moiety of a CAR consists of an antigen-binding domain of a single-chain antibody (scFv), comprising the light and variable fragments of a monoclonal antibody joined by a flexible linker. Binding moieties based on receptor or ligand domains have also been used successfully. The signaling domains for first generation CARs are derived from the cytoplasmic region of the CD3zeta or the Fc receptor gamma chains. First generation CARs have been shown to successfully redirect T cell cytotoxicity. However, they failed to provide prolonged expansion and anti-tumor activity in vivo. Signaling domains from co-stimulatory molecules including CD28, OX-40 (CD134), and 4-1BB (CD137) have been added alone (second generation) or in combination (third generation) to enhance survival and increase proliferation of CAR modified T cells. CARs have successfully allowed T cells to be redirected against antigens expressed at the surface of tumor cells from various malignancies including lymphomas and solid tumors (Jena, Dotti et al. 2010).

In addition to the CAR targeting the antigen marker, which is common to the pathological cells and the T-cells, such as CD38, it is envisioned to express further CARs directed towards other antigen markers not necessarily expressed by the T-cells, so as to enhancing T-cells specificity.

Examples of chimeric antigen receptor that can be further expressed by the T-cells to create multi-specific cells, are antigen receptors directed against multiple myeloma or lymphoblastic leukemia antigen markers, such as TNFRSF17 (UNIPROT 002223), SLAMF7 (UNIPROT 09N025), GPRC5D (UNIPROT Q9NZD1), FKBP11 (UNIPROT Q9NYL4), KAMP3, ITGA8 (UNIPROT P53708), and FCRL5 (UNIPROT Q68SN8).

As further examples, the antigen of the target can be from any cluster of differentiation molecules (e.g. CD16, CD64, CD78, CD96, CLL1, CD116, CD117, CD71, CD45, CD71, CD123 and CD138), a tumor-associated surface antigen, such as ErbB2 (HER2/neu), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII), CD19, CD20, CD30, CD40, disialoganglioside GD2, ductal-epithelial mucine, gp36, TAG-72, glycosphingolipids, glioma-associated antigen, β-human chorionic gonadotropin, alphafetoprotein (AFP), lectin-reactive AFP, thyroglobulin, RAGE-1, MN-CA IX, human telomerase reverse transcriptase, RU1, RU2 (AS), intestinal carboxyl esterase, mut hsp70-2, M-CSF, prostase, prostase specific antigen (PSA), PAP, NY-ESO-1, LAGA-1a, p53, prostein, PSMA, surviving and telomerase, prostate-carcinoma tumor antigen-1 (PCTA-1), MAGE, ELF2M, neutrophil elastase, ephrin B2, CD22, insulin growth factor (IGF1)-I, IGF-II, IGFI receptor, mesothelin, a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule presenting a tumor-specific peptide epitope, 5T4, ROR1, Nkp30, NKG2D, tumor stromal antigens, the extra domain A (EDA) and extra domain B (EDB) of fibronectin and the A1 domain of tenascin-C (TnC A1) and fibroblast associated protein (fap); a lineage-specific or tissue specific antigen such as CD3, CD4, CD8, CD24, CD25, CD33, CD34, CD133, CD138, CTLA-4, B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), GM-CSF, cytokine receptors, endoglin, a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, BCMA (CD269, TNFRSF 17), or a virus-specific surface antigen such as an HIV-specific antigen (such as HIV gp120); an EBV-specific antigen, a CMV-specific antigen, a HPV-specific antigen, a Lasse Virus-specific antigen, an Influenza Virus-specific antigen as well as any derivate or variant of these surface markers. Antigens are not necessarily surface marker antigens but can be also endogenous small antigens presented by HLA class I at the surface of the cells.

As examples, the present invention encompasses single-chain CARs which target specifically cell surface marker, such as CD38, CS1 and/or CD70 as described in the examples, together with an inactivation of the genes encoding respectively CD38, CS1 and/or CD70 in the cells expressing said CARs.

As a specific example, the VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CD38 share at least 80%, preferably 90% and more preferably 95% of identity with respectively SEQ ID NO:10 and 12 and SEQ ID NO: 11 and 13.

As a specific example, the antibody or epitope-binding on CD38 antigen, characterized in that said antibody or epitope-binding fragment thereof comprises at least one heavy chain and at least one light chain, wherein said heavy chain comprises three sequential complementarity-determining regions having amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 14-17, and wherein said light chain comprises three sequential complementarity-determining regions having amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 21-23.

As a another specific example, the antibody or epitope-binding on CD38 antigen, characterized in that said antibody or epitope-binding fragment thereof comprises at least one heavy chain and at least one light chain, wherein said heavy chain comprises three sequential complementarity-determining regions having amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 18-20, and wherein said light chain comprises three sequential complementarity-determining regions having amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 24-26.

As another specific example, the VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CS1 share at least 80%, preferably 90% and more preferably 95% of identity with respectively SEQ ID NO:38-40-42-44-46 and SEQ ID NO: 39-41-42-45-46.

As still another specific example, the VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CD70 share at least 80%, preferably 90% and more preferably 95% of identity at the polynucleotide or nucleic acid level with respectively SEQ ID NO:81-82; 85-86; 89-91 and SEQ ID NO: 83-84; 87-88; 91-92.

In an embodiment, the invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding a single CAR anti-CD38 which shares at least 80%, preferably 90% and more preferably 95% of identity with SEQ ID NO: 35-37. In another embodiment, the invention encompassed a polynucleotide encoding a single CAR anti-CS1 which shares at least 80%, preferably 90% and more preferably 95% of identity with SEQ ID NO: 48-62.

In still another embodiment, the invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding a single CAR anti-CD70 which shares at least 80%, preferably 90% and more preferably 95% of identity with SEQ ID NO: 93-101.

The present invention is more particularly drawn to immune cells that are endowed with a CAR presenting some identity with those described in the present application and that would bear rare-cutting endonuclease induced mutations in a gene encoding the cell marker targeted by said CAR (i.e. the CAR displays affinity with the product of said inactivated gene). By identity is meant at least 70%, preferably 80%, more preferably 90% and even more preferably 95% polynucleotide or polypeptide identity as determined by the software such as FASTA, or BLAST which are available as a part of the GCG sequence analysis package (University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.). BLASTP “Identities” shows the number and fraction of total residues in the high scoring sequence pairs which are identical. Amino acid sequences having these degrees of identity or similarity or any intermediate degree of identity of similarity to the amino acid sequences disclosed herein are contemplated and encompassed by this disclosure. The same applies with respect to polynucleotide sequences using BLASTN.

Multi-Subunit CAR

Chimeric antigen receptors from the prior art introduced in T-cells have been formed of single chain polypeptides that necessitate serial appending of signaling domains. However, by moving signaling domains from their natural juxtamembrane position may interfere with their function. To overcome this drawback, the applicant recently designed a multi-chain CAR derived from FcεRI to allow normal juxtamembrane position of all relevant signaling domains. In this new architecture, the high affinity IgE binding domain of FcεRI alpha chain is replaced by an extracellular ligand-binding domain such as scFv to redirect T-cell specificity against cell targets and the N and/or C-termini tails of FcεRI beta chain are used to place costimulatory signals in normal juxtamembrane positions.

Accordingly, the CAR expressed by the engineered T-cell according to the invention can be a multi-chain chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) particularly adapted to the production and expansion of engineered T-cells of the present invention. Such multi-chain CARs comprise at least two of the following components:

-   -   a) one polypeptide comprising the transmembrembrane domain of         FcεRI alpha chain and an extracellular ligand-binding domain,     -   b) one polypeptide comprising a part of N- and C-terminal         cytoplasmic tail and the transmembrane domain of FcεRI beta         chain and/or     -   c) at least two polypeptides comprising each a part of         intracytoplasmic tail and the transmembrane domain of FcεRI         gamma chain, whereby different polypeptides multimerize together         spontaneously to form dimeric, trimeric or tetrameric CAR.

According to such architectures, ligands binding domains and signaling domains are born on separate polypeptides. The different polypeptides are anchored into the membrane in a close proximity allowing interactions with each other. In such architectures, the signaling and co-stimulatory domains can be in juxtamembrane positions (i.e. adjacent to the cell membrane on the internal side of it), which is deemed to allow improved function of co-stimulatory domains. The multi-subunit architecture also offers more flexibility and possibilities of designing CARs with more control on T-cell activation. For instance, it is possible to include several extracellular antigen recognition domains having different specificity to obtain a multi-specific CAR architecture. It is also possible to control the relative ratio between the different subunits into the multi-chain CAR. This type of architecture has been recently described by the applicant in PCT/US2013/058005 (WO2014/039523).

The assembly of the different chains as part of a single multi-chain CAR is made possible, for instance, by using the different alpha, beta and gamma chains of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) (Metzger, Alcaraz et al. 1986) to which are fused the signaling and co-stimulatory domains. The gamma chain comprises a transmembrane region and cytoplasmic tail containing one immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) (Cam bier 1995).

The multi-chain CAR can comprise several extracellular ligand-binding domains, to simultaneously bind different elements in target thereby augmenting immune cell activation and function. In one embodiment, the extracellular ligand-binding domains can be placed in tandem on the same transmembrane polypeptide, and optionally can be separated by a linker. In another embodiment, said different extracellular ligand-binding domains can be placed on different transmembrane polypeptides composing the multi-chain CAR. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a population of multi-chain CARs comprising each one different extracellular ligand binding domains. In a particular, the present invention relates to a method of engineering immune cells comprising providing an immune cell and expressing at the surface of said cell a population of multi-chain CAR each one comprising different extracellular ligand binding domains. In another particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of engineering an immune cell comprising providing an immune cell and introducing into said cell polynucleotides encoding polypeptides composing a population of multi-chain CAR each one comprising different extracellular ligand binding domains. In a particular embodiment the method of engineering an immune cell comprises expressing at the surface of the cell at least a part of FcεRI beta and/or gamma chain fused to a signal-transducing domain and several part of FcεRI alpha chains fused to different extracellular ligand binding domains. In a more particular embodiment, said method comprises introducing into said cell at least one polynucleotide which encodes a part of FcεRI beta and/or gamma chain fused to a signal-transducing domain and several FcεRI alpha chains fused to different extracellular ligand binding domains. By population of multi-chain CARs, it is meant at least two, three, four, five, six or more multi-chain CARs each one comprising different extracellular ligand binding domains. The different extracellular ligand binding domains according to the present invention can preferably simultaneously bind different elements in target thereby augmenting immune cell activation and function.

The present invention also relates to an isolated immune cell which comprises a population of multi-chain CARs each one comprising different extracellular ligand binding domains.

The signal transducing domain or intracellular signaling domain of the multi-chain CAR of the invention is responsible for intracellular signaling following the binding of extracellular ligand binding domain to the target resulting in the activation of the immune cell and immune response. In other words, the signal transducing domain is responsible for the activation of at least one of the normal effector functions of the immune cell in which the multi-chain CAR is expressed. For example, the effector function of a T cell can be a cytolytic activity or helper activity including the secretion of cytokines.

In the present application, the term “signal transducing domain” refers to the portion of a protein which transduces the effector signal function signal and directs the cell to perform a specialized function.

Preferred examples of signal transducing domain for use in single or multi-chain CAR can be the cytoplasmic sequences of the Fc receptor or T cell receptor and co-receptors that act in concert to initiate signal transduction following antigen receptor engagement, as well as any derivate or variant of these sequences and any synthetic sequence that as the same functional capability. Signal transduction domain comprises two distinct classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequence, those that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation, and those that act in an antigen-independent manner to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal. Primary cytoplasmic signaling sequence can comprise signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs of ITAMs. ITAMs are well defined signaling motifs found in the intracytoplasmic tail of a variety of receptors that serve as binding sites for syk/zap70 class tyrosine kinases. Examples of ITAM used in the invention can include as non-limiting examples those derived from TCRzeta, FcRgamma, FcRbeta, FcRepsilon, CD3gamma, CD3delta, CD3epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d. In a preferred embodiment, the signaling transducing domain of the multi-chain CAR can comprise the CD3zeta signaling domain, or the intracytoplasmic domain of the FcεRI beta or gamma chains.

In particular embodiment the signal transduction domain of the multi-chain CAR of the present invention comprises a co-stimulatory signal molecule. A co-stimulatory molecule is a cell surface molecule other than an antigen receptor or their ligands that is required for an efficient immune response.

Ligand binding-domains can be any antigen receptor previously used, and referred to, with respect to single-chain CAR referred to in the literature, in particular scFv from monoclonal antibodies. Bispecific or multi-specific CARs as described in WO 2014/4011988 are incorporated by reference.

Similarly as described before with respect to single-chain CARs, the present invention encompasses immune cells endowed with multi-chain CARs which target specifically a cell surface marker such as CD38, CS1 or CD70. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the CARs described above are expressed in immune cells, whereas inactivation of the endogenous genes encoding said surface marker(s) is induced by expression of a rare-cutting endonuclease.

Activation and Expansion of T Cells

The method according to the invention generally includes a further step of activating and/or expanding the T-cells. This can be done prior to or after genetic modification of the T cells, using the methods as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694; 6,534,055; 6,905,680; 6,692,964; 5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681; 7,144,575; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566; 7,175,843; 5,883,223; 6,905,874; 6,797,514; 6,867,041; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060121005. According to these methods, the T cells of the invention can be expanded by contact with a surface having attached thereto an agent that stimulates a CD3 TCR complex associated signal and a ligand that stimulates a co-stimulatory molecule on the surface of the T cells.

In particular, T cell populations may be stimulated in vitro such as by contact with an anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or an anti-CD2 antibody immobilized on a surface, or by contact with a protein kinase C activator (e.g., bryostatin) in conjunction with a calcium ionophore. For co-stimulation of an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, a ligand that binds the accessory molecule is used. For example, a population of T cells can be contacted with an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody, under conditions appropriate for stimulating proliferation of the T cells. To stimulate proliferation of either CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells, an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody. For example, the agents providing each signal may be in solution or coupled to a surface. As those of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate, the ratio of particles to cells may depend on particle size relative to the target cell. In further embodiments of the present invention, the cells, such as T cells, are combined with agent-coated beads, the beads and the cells are subsequently separated, and then the cells are cultured. In an alternative embodiment, prior to culture, the agent-coated beads and cells are not separated but are cultured together. Cell surface proteins may be ligated by allowing paramagnetic beads to which anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 are attached (3×28 beads) to contact the T cells. In one embodiment the cells (for example, 4 to 10 T cells) and beads (for example, DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3/CD28 T paramagnetic beads at a ratio of 1:1) are combined in a buffer, preferably PBS (without divalent cations such as, calcium and magnesium). Again, those of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate any cell concentration may be used. The mixture may be cultured for several hours (about 3 hours) to about 14 days or any hourly integer value in between. In another embodiment, the mixture may be cultured for 21 days. Conditions appropriate for T cell culture include an appropriate media (e.g., Minimal Essential Media or RPMI Media 1640 or, X-vivo 5, (Lonza)) that may contain factors necessary for proliferation and viability, including serum (e.g., fetal bovine or human serum), interleukin-2 (IL-2), insulin, IFN-g, 1L-4, 1L-7, GM-CSF, -10, -2, 1L-15, TGFp, and TNF- or any other additives for the growth of cells known to the skilled artisan. Other additives for the growth of cells include, but are not limited to, surfactant, plasmanate, and reducing agents such as N-acetyl-cysteine and 2-mercaptoethanol. Media can include RPMI 1640, A1M-V, DMEM, MEM, a-MEM, F-12, X-Vivo 1, and X-Vivo 20, Optimizer, with added amino acids, sodium pyruvate, and vitamins, either serum-free or supplemented with an appropriate amount of serum (or plasma) or a defined set of hormones, and/or an amount of cytokine(s) sufficient for the growth and expansion of T cells. Antibiotics, e.g., penicillin and streptomycin, are included only in experimental cultures, not in cultures of cells that are to be infused into a subject. The target cells are maintained under conditions necessary to support growth, for example, an appropriate temperature (e.g., 37° C.) and atmosphere (e.g., air plus 5% CO2). T-cells that have been exposed to varied stimulation times may exhibit different characteristics.

In another particular embodiment, said cells can be expanded by co-culturing with tissue or cells. Said cells can also be expanded in vivo, for example in the subject's blood after administrating said cell into the subject.

Therapeutic Applications

The T-cells obtainable by the different methods described above are intended to be used as a medicament for treating, among others, cancer, infections or immune diseases in a patient in need thereof.

Said treatment can be ameliorating, curative or prophylactic. It may be either part of an autologous immunotherapy or part of an allogenic immunotherapy treatment. By autologous, it is meant that cells, cell line or population of cells used for treating patients are originating from said patient or from a Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) compatible donor. By allogeneic is meant that the cells or population of cells used for treating patients are not originating from said patient but from a donor.

The T-cells engineered according to one of the previous methods may be pooled, frozen, and administrated to one or several patients. When they are made non-alloreactive, they are available as an “off the shelf” therapeutic product, which means that they can be universally infused to patients in need thereof.

Said treatments are primarily intended to patients diagnosed with cancer, viral infection, autoimmune disorders or Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD). Cancers are preferably leukemias and lymphomas, which have liquid tumors, but may also concern solid tumors. Types of cancers to be treated with the CARs of the invention include, but are not limited to, carcinoma, blastoma, and sarcoma, and certain leukemia or lymphoid malignancies, benign and malignant tumors, and malignancies e.g., sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas. Adult tumors/cancers and pediatric tumors/cancers are also included.

The present invention provides in Tables 4 to 14 with examples of antigen markers, which can be targeted with the engineered-cells of the invention for treating different types of cancer. Preferred antigen markers used for the immunotherapy of the present invention are more particularly CD38, CD319 (CS1) and CD70.

The present T-cells, when armed with specific CARs directed against patient's own immune cells, especially T-cells, allow the inhibition or regulation of said cells, which is a key step for treating auto-immune disease, such as rheumatoid polyarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, myositis, ankylosing spondylitis, insulin dependent diabetes of type I, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Addison's disease, Crohn's disease, Celiac's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Accordingly the present invention encompass a method for treating an immune disease by directing engineered T-cells as previously described against patient's own T-cells.

The above treatments can take place in combination with one or more therapies selected from the group of antibodies therapy, chemotherapy, cytokines therapy, dendritic cell therapy, gene therapy, hormone therapy, laser light therapy and radiation therapy.

The engineered T-cells as previously described, when they are made resistant to chemotherapy drugs and immunosuppressive drugs that are used as standards of care, especially methotrexate and the combination of fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide, are particularly suited for treating various forms of cancer. Indeed, the present invention preferably relies on cells or population of cells, In this aspect, it is expected that the chemotherapy and/or immunosuppressive treatment should help the selection and expansion of the engineered T-cells in-vivo.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, cells are administered to a patient in conjunction with (e.g., before, simultaneously or following) any number of relevant treatment modalities, including but not limited to treatment with agents such as antiviral therapy, cidofovir and interleukin-2, Cytarabine (also known as ARA-C) or nataliziimab treatment for MS patients or efaliztimab treatment for psoriasis patients or other treatments for PML patients. In further embodiments, the T cells of the invention may be used in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and FK506, antibodies, or other immunoablative agents such as CAMPATH, anti-CD3 antibodies or other antibody therapies, cytoxin, fludaribine, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycoplienolic acid, steroids, FR901228, cytokines, and irradiation. These drugs inhibit either the calcium dependent phosphatase calcineurin (cyclosporine and FK506) or inhibit the p70S6 kinase that is important for growth factor induced signaling (rapamycin) (Liu et al., Cell 66:807-815, 1 1; Henderson et al., Immun. 73:316-321, 1991; Bierer et al., Citrr. Opin. mm n. 5:763-773, 93). In a further embodiment, the cell compositions of the present invention are administered to a patient in conjunction with (e.g., before, simultaneously or following) bone marrow transplantation, T cell ablative therapy using either chemotherapy agents such as, fludarabine, external-beam radiation therapy (XRT), cyclophosphamide, or antibodies such as OKT3 or CAMPATH, In another embodiment, the cell compositions of the present invention are administered following B-cell ablative therapy such as agents that react with CD20, e.g., Rituxan. For example, in one embodiment, subjects may undergo standard treatment with high dose chemotherapy followed by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. In certain embodiments, following the transplant, subjects receive an infusion of the expanded immune cells of the present invention. In an additional embodiment, expanded cells are administered before or following surgery. Said modified cells obtained by any one of the methods described here can be used in a particular aspect of the invention for treating patients in need thereof against Host versus Graft (HvG) rejection and Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD); therefore in the scope of the present invention is a method of treating patients in need thereof against Host versus Graft (HvG) rejection and Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) comprising treating said patient by administering to said patient an effective amount of modified cells comprising inactivated TCR alpha and/or TCR beta genes.

According to one embodiment, said T cells of the invention can undergo robust in vivo T cell expansion upon administration to a patient, and can persist in the body fluids for an extended amount of time, preferably for a week, more preferably for 2 weeks, even more preferably for at least one month. Although the T-cells according to the invention are expected to persist during these periods, their life span into the patient's body are intended not to exceed a year, preferably 6 months, more preferably 2 months, and even more preferably one month.

The administration of the cells or population of cells according to the present invention may be carried out in any convenient manner, including by aerosol inhalation, injection, ingestion, transfusion, implantation or transplantation. The compositions described herein may be administered to a patient subcutaneously, intradermally, intratumorally, intranodally, intramedullary, intramuscularly, by intravenous or intralymphatic injection, or intraperitoneally. In one embodiment, the cell compositions of the present invention are preferably administered by intravenous injection.

The administration of the cells or population of cells can consist of the administration of 10⁴-10⁹ cells per kg body weight, preferably 10⁵ to 10⁶ cells/kg body weight including all integer values of cell numbers within those ranges. The cells or population of cells can be administrated in one or more doses. In another embodiment, said effective amount of cells are administrated as a single dose. In another embodiment, said effective amount of cells are administrated as more than one dose over a period time. Timing of administration is within the judgment of managing physician and depends on the clinical condition of the patient. The cells or population of cells may be obtained from any source, such as a blood bank or a donor. While individual needs vary, determination of optimal ranges of effective amounts of a given cell type for a particular disease or conditions within the skill of the art. An effective amount means an amount which provides a therapeutic or prophylactic benefit. The dosage administrated will be dependent upon the age, health and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment and the nature of the effect desired.

In another embodiment, said effective amount of cells or composition comprising those cells are administrated parenterally. Said administration can be an intravenous administration. Said administration can be directly done by injection within a tumor.

Identification of Surface Antigen Marker Expressed on the Surface of T-Cells, while being Overexpressed in Solid Tumors Involved into Different Types of Cancer (Tables 5 to 13)

We used BioGPS microarray data from a panel of normal tissues (Human U133A/GNF1H Gene Atlas) cancer microarray data that also can be downloaded from BioGPS (Human Primary Tumors (U95)) uniprot data that contains the subcellular localization.

We drew the distribution of values coming from normal tissues and determined a threshold value of 5 for the relative expression.

We browsed all the genes assayed with microarrays (44.000 probes representing about 13 000 genes) and checked their localization in the membrane (protein not referred to as being a membrane protein were discarded). Expression in CD8+ T-cells was checked from the BioGPS database. The genes were listed according to the type of cancer where the corresponding expression was the highest (Tables 5 to 13).

Identification of Surface Antigen Marker Expressed on the Surface of T-Cells, while being Overexpressed in Different Liquid Blood Tumors (Table 14)

For that study, no RNA-seq data were available and thus we used microarray data that were obtained from a large study from the MILE consortium (Microarray Innovations in Leukemia), involving 11 laboratories (http://www.ngrl.org.uk/wessex/downloads/tm08/TM08-S4-1_KenMills.pdf—Haferlach et al. 2010, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20406941). This raw data include results for ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), AML (acute myelogenous leukemia), CLL (chronic lymphoblastic leukemia) and CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia) and MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). We also used uniprot data for subcellular localization as usual.

We first drew the overall distribution of values from all genes on all studied tissues. Then, to have an idea of the level necessary for expression, we took a list of genes which are expressed in some liquid tumors and for which therapeutic antibodies are available (CD52, CD 20, CD33, CD19, CD25, CD44, CD47, CD96, CD116, CD117, CD135, TIM-3). For each gene, we looked at the value obtained in the tumor in which it is expressed. Then, we computed the average for each tumor and gene pair for which the gene seems to give a cell membrane protein (cell membrane localization+description of at least one transmembrane domain in the protein). We discarded genes for which the expression in all the tissues was below this threshold of 0.15. We listed and ranked in Table 14, those genes which relative expression in T-cells was above 0.2. Thus, Table 4 provides putative antigen marker candidates for targeting liquid tumor cells as per the invention, in particular for treating ALL, AML, CLL, CML and MDS.

Example of Steps to Engineer T-Cells According to the Invention for Immunotherapy

For a better understanding of the invention, it is provided below an example of the steps to follow to produce T-cells directed against leukemia CD38 positive cells:

-   -   1. Providing T-cells from a cell culture or from a blood sample         from one individual patient or from blood bank and activating         said T cells using anti-CD3/C28 activator beads (Dynabeads®).         The beads provide both the primary and co-stimulatory signals         that are required for activation and expansion of T cells.     -   2. Transducing said cells with a retroviral vector comprising a         transgene encoding a Chimeric antigen receptor consisting of the         fusion of CD3zeta activation domain, 4-1BB co-stimulation         domain, a transmembrane domain and a hinge from CD28 fused to a         sequence encoding the variable chain of an anti-CD38 antibody.         For security improvement of the transformed T-cell, a suicide         gene sensitive to rituximab may further be introduced as         described in WO 2013/153391 into the lentiviral vector separated         by T2A splitting sequences.     -   3. (Optionally) Engineering non alloreactive and/or resistant T         cells:         -   a) It is possible to Inactivate TCR alpha in said cells to             eliminate the TCR from the surface of the cell and prevent             recognition of host tissue as foreign by TCR of allogenic             and thus to avoid GvHD by following the protocols set forth             in WO 2013/176915.         -   b) It is also possible to inactive one gene encoding target             for an immunosuppressive agent or a chemotherapy drug to             render said cells resistant to immunosuppressive or             chemotherapy treatment to prevent graft rejection without             affecting transplanted T cells. In this example, target of             immunosuppressive agents is CD52 and immunosuppressive agent             is a humanized monoclonal anti-CD52 antibody (ex:             Alemtuzumab) as described in WO 2013/176915.     -   4. Gene Inactivation is performed by electoporating T-cells with         mRNA encoding specific TAL-endonuclease (TALEN™—Cellectis, 8 rue         de la Croix Jarry, France). Inactivated T cells are sorted using         magnetic beads. For example, T cells still expressing the         targeted gene (e.g. CD38, CD70 and CD70) can be removed by         fixation on a solid surface, and inactivated cells are not         exposed of the stress of being passed through a column. This         gentle method increases the concentration of properly engineered         T-cells.     -   5. Expansion in vitro of engineered T-cells prior to         administration to a patient or in vivo following administration         to a patient through stimulation of CD3 complex. Before         administration step, patients can be subjected to an         immunosuppressive treatment such as CAMPATH1-H, a humanized         monoclonal anti-CD52 antibody.     -   6. Optionally exposed said cells with bispecific antibodies ex         vivo prior to administration to a patient or in vivo following         administration to a patient to bring the engineered cells into         proximity to a target antigen.

Functional Analysis of the Engineered T-Cells Electroporated with a Monocistronic mRNA Encoding for an Anti-CD38 Single Chain Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR CD38):

To verify that genome engineering did not affect the ability of the engineered T-cells to present anti-tumor activity, especially when provided with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR CD38), The engineered T-cells were incubated for 4 hours with Daudi cells expressing CD38 on their surface. The cell surface upregulation of CD107a, a marker of cytotoxic granule release by T lymphocytes (called degranulation) was measured by flow cytometry analysis (Betts, Brenchley et al. 2003).

24 hours post electroporation, cells were stained with a fixable viability dye eFluor-780 and a PE-conjugated goat anti mouse IgG F(ab′)2 fragment specific to assess the cell surface expression of the CAR on the live cells. The vast majority of the live T-cells genetically disrupted for CD38, express the CAR on their surface. T cells were co-cultured with Daudi (CD38⁺) cells for 6 hours and analyzed by flow cytometry to detect the expression of the degranulation marker CD107a at their surface (Betts, Brenchley et al. 2003).

The results showed that CD38 disrupted T-cells kept the same ability to degranulate in response to PMA/ionomycin (positive control) or CD38+ Daudi cells. CD107 upregulation is dependent on the presence of a CD38+. These data suggest that the genome engineering of the present T-cells had no negative impact on the ability of T cells to mount a controlled anti-tumor response.

TABLE 4 Cluster of differentiation (CD) antigen markers of various cancers found to be expressed on the surface of T-cells Antigen Other Names Structure main Distribution Function CD1a T6 IgSF, MHC-like cortical thymocytes, Langerhans cells, DC antigen presentation, with beta2m CD1b T6 IgSF, MHC-like cortical thymocytes, Langerhans cells, DC antigen presentation, with beta2m CD1c T6 IgSF, MHC-like cortical thymocytes, Langerhans cells, antigen presentation, with beta2m DC, B subset CD1d IgSF, MHC-like intestinal epith, B subset, monolow, DC antigen presentation, with beta2m CD3 gamma, T3 IgSF T, thymocyte subset with TCR, TCR surface expression/signal CD3 delta transduction CD3 epsilon T3 IgSF T, thymocyte subset with TCR, TCR surface expression/signal transduction CD4 T4 IgSF thymocyte subset, T subset, mono, mac MHC class II coreceptor, HIV receptor, T cell differentiation/activation CD5 T1, Tp67 Scavenger R SF thymocytes, T, B subset, B-CLL CD72 receptor, TCR or BCR signaling, T-B interaction CD7 IgSF hematopoietic progenitors, thymocytes, T costimulation T, NK CD8a T8, Leu-2 IgSF thymocyte subset, T subset, NK MHC class I coreceptor, receptor for some mutated HIV-1, T cell differentiation/ activation CD8b IgSF thymocyte subset, T subset CD9 p24, MRP-1 TM4SF pre-B, eosinophils, basophils, platelets, Tact cellular adhesion and migration CD10 CALLA, NEP, type II TM B precursors, T precursors, neutrophils zinc-binding metalloproteinase, B cell gp100 development CD11a LFA-1, integrin Integrin family lymph, gran, mono, mac CD11a/CD18 receptor for ICAM-1, -2, -3, alphaL intercellular adhesion, T costimulation CD11b Mac-1, integrin Integrin family myeloid cells, NK binds CD54, ECM, iC3b alphaM CD11c p150, 95, CR4, Integrin family DC, myeloid cells, NK, B, T subset binds CD54, fibrinogen and iC3b integrin alphaX CD13 Aminopeptidase type II TM myeloid cells zinc-binding metalloproteinase, antigen N, APN processing, receptor for corona virus strains CD14 LPS-R GPI-linked mono, mac, Langerhans cells, granlow receptor for LPS/LBP, recognition CD15 Lewis-x, Lex CHO neutrophils, eosinophils, mono adhesion CD16a FcgammaRIIIA IgSF neutrophils, mac, NK component of low affinity Fc receptor, phagocytosis and ADCC CD16b FcgammaRIIIB IgSF neutrophils component of low affinity Fc receptor, phagocytosis and ADCC CD20 B1, Bp35 TM4SF B, T subset B cell activation CD21 C3DR, CR2, CCRSF B, FDC, T subset complement C3d and EBV receptor, complex EBV-R with CD19 and CD81, BCR coreceptor CD22 BL-CAM, IgSF, B adhesion, B-mono, B-T interactions Siglec-2 sialoadhesins FcepsilonRII C-type lectin B, activated mac, eosinophils, FDC, CD19-CD21-CD81 receptor, IgE low CD23 platelets affinity receptor, signal transduction CD24 BA-1 GPI-linked thymocytes, erythrocytes, peripheral binds P-selectin lymph, myeloid CD25 Tac, p55 type I TM Tact, Bact, lymph progenitors IL-2Ralpha, with IL-2Rbeta and gamma to form high affinity complex CD31 PECAM-1 IgSF mono, platelets, gran, endoth, lymph CD38 receptor, adhesion subset CD33 p67, Siglec-3 IgSF, myeloid progenitors, mono, gran, DC, adhesion sialoadhesins mast cells, Tact CD37 TM4SF B, Tlow, granlow signal transduction CD38 T10 variable levels on majority of ecto-ADP-ribosyl cyclase, cell activation hematopoietic cells, high expression on plasma cells, B and Tact CD40 TNFRSF B, mono, mac, FDC, endoth, T subset CD154 receptor, B differentiation/ costimulation, isotype-switching, rescues B cells from apoptosis CD43 Leukosialin, Sialomucin, type leukocytes, except resting B, plateletslow inhibition of T cell interaction, CD54R, sialophorin I TM adhesion CD44 H-CAM, Pgp-1 hyaladherin hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, binds hyaluronic acid, adhesion family except platelets, hepatocytes, testis CD45 LCA, T200, hematopoietic cells, multiple isoforms from tyrosine phosphatase, enhanced TCR & B220 alternative splicing BCR signals CD45RA B, T subset(naive), mono exon A isoforms of CD45 CD45RB T subset, B, mono, mac, gran exon B isoforms of CD45 CD45RO Tact, memory T, B subset, mono, mac, gran isoform of CD45 lacking A, B, C exons CD46 MCP CCRSF nucleated cells membrane cofactor protein, binds C3b & C4b allowing degradation by Factor I, measles virus receptor CD47 IAP IgSF hematopoietic cells, epith, endoth, leukocyte adhesion, migration, activation fibroblasts, other tissues CD48 Blast-1 IgSF broad, all leukocytes cell adhesion CD52 CAMPATH-1 thymocytes, T, B (not plasma cells), mono, mac CD53 TM4SF leukocytes, DC, osteoblasts, osteoclasts signal transduction CD55 DAF GPI-linked hematopoietic, endoth binds C3b, complement regulation CD56 NCAM IgSF NK, T subset, neurons, some large granular adhesion lymphocyte leukemias, myeloid leukemias CD57 HNK-1, Leu-7 NK subset, T subset CD58 LFA-3 IgSF hematopoietic, non-hematopoietic cells CD2 receptor, adhesion CD59 Protectin, MAC- GPI-linked hematopoietic, non-hematopoietic cells binds complement C8 and C9, blocks inhibitor assembly of membrane attack complex CD60a GD3 CHO T subset, platelets, thymic epith, astrocytes costimulation CD63 LIMP, LAMP-3 TM4SF activated platelets, mono, mac lysosomal membrane protein, moves to cell surface after activation CD68 Macrosialin, Sialomucin intracellularly in mono, mac, neutrophils, basophils, large lymph, mast cells, DC, myeloid gp110 progenitors, liver CD69 AIM C-type lectin Tact, B, NK and gran, thymocytes, signal transduction platelets, Langerhans cells CD70 Ki-24 TNFSF Bact and Tact CD27 ligand, T and B cell costimulation CD74 Ii, invariant B, mac, mono, Langerhans cells, DC, Tact MHC class II traffic and function chain CD79a Iga IgSF B component of BCR, BCR surface expression and signal transduction CD79b Igb IgSF B component of BCR, BCR surface expression and signal transduction CD81 TAPA-1 TM4SF T, B, NK, thymocytes, DC, endoth, complex with CD19 & CD21, signaling, T fibroblast, neuroblastomas, melanomas costimulation CD82 R2 TM4SF leukocytes signal transduction CD83 HB15 IgSF Bact and Tact, DC, Langerhans cells CDw84 mono, platelets, B, T subset, mac subset CD86 B70, B7-2 IgSF mono, DC, Bact and Tact binds to CD28, CD152, T costimulation CD87 UPA-R GPI-linked gran, mono, NK, Tact, endoth, fibroblasts urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, inflammatory cell invasion, metastasis CD90 Thy-1 IgSF, GPI-linked CD34+ hematopoietic subset, neurons hematopoietic stem cell and neuron differentiation CD94 KP43 C-type lectin NK, T subset complex with NKG2, inhibits NK function CD95 Apo-1, Fas TNFRSF lymph (high upon activation), mono, FasL (CD178) receptor, apoptosis neutrophils CD96 TACTILE IgSF NK, Tact adhesion of activated T and NK CD97 TM7SF Bact and Tact, mono, gran CD98 4F2 T, B, NK, gran, all human cell lines cellular activation CD99 MIC2, E2 leukocytes T cell activation, adhesion CD100 hematopoietic cells except immature bone cell adhesion, cellular activation marrow cells, RBC and platelets CD103 HML-1, alpha6, Integrin family intraepithelial lymph, lymph subset, with integrin beta7, binds E-cadherin, lymph integrin alphaE activated lymph homing/retention CD107a LAMP-1 activated platelets, T, endoth, a lysosomal membrane protein metastatic tumors CD107b LAMP-2 activated platelets, T, endoth, a lysosomal membrane protein metastatic tumors CD109 Tact and platelets, CD34+ subset, endoth CD123 IL-3R CRSF lymph subset, basophils, hematopoietic IL-3Ralpha, with CDw131 progenitors, mac, DC, megakaryocytes CD146 MUC18, S-endo IgSF endoth, melanomas, FDC, Tact adhesion CD154 CD40L, gp39, TNFSF Tact CD40 ligand, B and DC costimulation TRAP CD158a p58.1 IgSF, KIR family NK subset, T subset inhibition of NK cell cytolytic activity, MHC class-I specific NK receptor CD158b p58.2 IgSF, KIR family NK subset, T subset inhibition of NK cell cytolytic activity, MHC class-I specific NK receptor CD163 130 kD Scavenger mono, mac receptor SF CD164 MGC-24 epith, mono, hematopoietic progenitor cell-stromal cell interaction lymphlow, bone marrow stromal cells, CD34+ erythroid progenitors CD168 RHAMM mono, T subset, thymocyte subset, adhesion, tumor migration, metastasis intracellularly in breast cancer cells CD171 L1 IgSF CNS, PNS, glial cells, mono, T subset, kidney morphogenesis, lymph node B, DC, several human tumor architecture, T costimulation, cells neurohistogenesis, homotypic interaction, binds CD9, CD24, CD56, CD142, CD166, integrins CD177 NB1 neutrophil subset CD178 FasL, CD95L TNFSF Tact, testis CD95 ligand, apoptosis, immune privilege, soluble form in serum CD180 RP-105 LRRF, TLR B subset, mono, DC B cell activation, LPS signaling, with MD-1 family CD182 CXCR2, IL-8RB GPCR1 family neutrophils, basophils, NK, T subset, binding of IL-8 induces chemotaxis of mono neutrophils CD185 CXCR5, BLR1 GPCR1 family mature B and Burkitt Lymphoma cells with chemokine BLC, possible regulatory function in Burkitt Lymphomagenesis and/or B differentiation, activation of mature B CD191 CCR1, MIP- GPCR1 family T, mono, stem cell subset binds C-C type chemokines and transduces 1alphaR, signal by increasing intracellular RANTES-R calcium ion levels CD193 CCR3, CKR3 GPCR1 family eosinophils, lower expression in binds eotaxin, eotaxin-3, MCP-3, MCP-4, neutrophils and mono, T subset RANTES & MIP-1 delta, alternative coreceptor with CD4 for HIV-1 infectiongg CD196 CCR6, LARC GPCR1 family T subset, B, DC subset binds MIP-3alpha/LARC receptor, DRY6 CD197 CCR7 T subset, DC Subset 6Ckine and MIP-2beta receptor CD200 OX-2 thymocytes, endoth, B, Tact inhibition of immune response CD209 DC-SIGN DC subset ICAM-3 receptor, HIV-1 binding protein CD227 MUC1, EMA Mucin family, epith, stem cell subset, FDC, mono, adhesion, signaling, binds CD169, CD54, & type I TM B subset, some myelomas selectins CD231 TALLA-1, A15 TM4SF T leukemias, neuroblastomas, brain marker for T cell acute lymphoblastic neurons leukemia CD246 ALK, Ki-1 anaplastic T cell leukemias, small brain development, implicated in ALK intestine, testis, brain, not on normal lymphomas lymph CD254 TRANCE, TNFSF lymph node & BM stroma Tact binds OPG and RANK, osteoclast RANKL, OPGL differentiation, enhances DC to stimulate naïve-T proliferation CD263 TRAIL-R3, peripheral blood lymphocytes receptor for TRAIL but lacks death domain DcR1, LIT CD272 BTLA IgSF Tact, B, remains on Th1 HVEM receptor, inhibitory response CD273 B7DC, PD-L2, IgSF DC subset, mono, mac PD-1 receptor, costimulation or suppression PDCD1L2 of T proliferation CD276 B7-H3 B7 Family, ASV in vitro cultured DC and mono, costimulation, T activation Tact, mammary tissue CD277 BT3.1, B7/BT family, T, B, NK, mono, DC, endoth, T activation butyrophilin ASV CD34+ cells, tumor cell lines SF3 A1, BTF5 CD279 PD1, SLEB2 Tact and Bact B7-H1 & B7-DC receptor, autoimmune disease and peripheral tolerance CD298 Na+/K+- broad transport sodium & potassium ions across ATPase beta3 membrane subunit CD300a CMRF35H, IgSF, ASV NK, mono, neutrophils, T and B subset unknown IRC1, IRp60 and lymphocytic cell lines, AML CD300c CMRF35A, LIR IgSF mono, neutrophils, monocytic cell lines, unknown B & T subsets CD304 BDCA4, semaphorin neurons, CD4+/CD25+ Treg, DC, interacts with VEGF165 & semaphorins, co- neuropilin 1 family endothelial and tumor cells receptor with plexin, axonal guidance, angiogenesis, cell survival, migration CD305 LAIR1 IgSF, ASV NK, B, T, mono inhibitory receptor on NK and T cells CD314 NKG2D, KLR Type II lectin-like NK, CD8+ activated, NK1.1+ T, binds MHC class I, MICA, MICB, Rae1 receptor some myeloid cells & ULBP4, activates cytolysis and cytokine production, costimulation CD317 BST2, HM1.24 Type II B, T, NK, mono, DC, fibroblast cell line, pre-B cell growth, overexpressed in multiple myeloma myeloma CD319 CS1, CRACC, SLAM receptor B Cells, Dendritic Cells, NK, NKT multiple myeloma SLAMF7 family

TABLE 5 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both colon tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells EPCAM Epithelial cell adhesion molecule 2.97 13.99 IFITM1 Interferon-induced 10.55 13.06 transmembrane protein 1 CLDN4 Claudin-4 2.87 11.62 CDH17 Cadherin-17 1.85 11.52 CEACAM1 Carcinoembryonic antigen-related 3.33 10.84 cell adhesion molecule 1 SLC26A3 Chloride anion exchanger 2.57 10.59 ATP1A1 Sodium/potassium-transporting 9.28 10.51 ATPase subunit alpha-1 SI Isomaltase 2.86 10.46 ABCB1 Multidrug resistance protein 1 6.09 10.24 KCNQ1 Potassium voltage-gated channel 3.36 9.99 subfamily KQT member 1 FCGRT IgG receptor FcRn large subunit 4.8 9.98 p51 EPHB3 Ephrin type-B receptor 3 5.23 9.74 DSG2 Desmoglein-2 3.04 8.5 EPHB4 Ephrin type-B receptor 4 6.5 8.44 GUCY2C Heat-stable enterotoxin receptor 2.23 8.05 EPHA2 Ephrin type-A receptor 2 2.8 7.95 LY6G6D Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex 2.02 7.91 locus protein G6f CD97 CD97 antigen subunit beta 7.7 7.87 SIGMAR1 Sigma non-opioid intracellular 4.58 7.85 receptor 1 EREG Epiregulin 2.93 6.9 FAIM2 Protein lifeguard 2 2.94 6.82 PIGR Secretory component 4.2 6.8 SLC7A6 Y + L amino acid transporter 2 8.06 6.55 SCNN1D Amiloride-sensitive sodium 1.77 5.74 channel subunit delta GPR35 G-protein coupled receptor 35 1.98 5.5 ABCG2 ATP-binding cassette sub-family 1.79 5.35 G member 2 LPAR4 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 4 2.93 5.05 GPR161 G-protein coupled receptor 161 2.71 4.96 CD1C T-cell surface glycoprotein CD1c 2.73 4.89 SGCA Alpha-sarcoglycan 2.32 4.84 CD22 B-cell receptor CD22 4.12 4.75 CD22 B-cell receptor CD22 3.58 4.75 CD22 B-cell receptor CD22 2.73 4.75 CD22 B-cell receptor CD22 2.14 4.75 SLC22A18 Solute carrier family 22 2.32 4.62 member 18 HTR7 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 3.02 4.46 LCT Phlorizin hydrolase 2.32 4.24 CD33 Myeloid cell surface antigen 3.42 4.14 CD33 PVR Poliovirus receptor 5.07 4.07 PLXDC1 Plexin domain-containing 5.85 3.99 protein 1 P2RY2 P2Y purinoceptor 2 2.15 3.97 CHRNB2 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor 6.31 3.88 subunit beta-2 PTGDR Prostaglandin D2 receptor 4.08 3.65 NCR1 Natural cytotoxicity triggering 2.63 3.33 receptor 1 GYPA Glycophorin-A 3.18 3.31 TNFRSF8 Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 2.75 superfamily member 8 KEL Kell blood group glycoprotein 1.93 2.48 EDA Ectodysplasin-A, secreted form 2.7 2.42 ACE Angiotensin-converting enzyme, 2.39 2.19 soluble form DRD2 D(2) dopamine receptor 2.49 1.97 CXCR3 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 3 4.19 1.66 MC2R Adrenocorticotropic hormone 1.94 1.43 receptor

TABLE 6 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both breast tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ABCA8 ATP-binding cassette sub- 3.15 7.73 family A member 8 ABCC10 Multidrug resistance-associated 6.48 5.29 protein 7 ABCC6 Multidrug resistance-associated 2.67 2.17 protein 6 ACCN2 Acid-sensing ion channel 1 3.62 2.49 ADAM12 Disintegrin and 4.96 7.72 metalloproteinase domain- containing protein 12 ADCYAP1R1 Pituitary adenylate cyclase- 2.17 2.88 activating polypeptide type I receptor ADRA1A Alpha-1A adrenergic receptor 3.31 4.85 ADRA1B Alpha-1B adrenergic receptor 1.49 1.6 ADRA1D Alpha-1D adrenergic receptor 2.39 3.38 ADRA2A Alpha-2A adrenergic receptor 2.64 1.79 ADRB3 Beta-3 adrenergic receptor 2.36 2.16 AGER Advanced glycosylation end 2.85 2.38 product-specific receptor AGTR2 Type-2 angiotensin II receptor 3.08 3.7 ALK ALK tyrosine kinase receptor 4.97 4.27 ANO3 Anoctamin-3 2.39 3.69 ANPEP Aminopeptidase N 3.26 10.78 APLNR Apelin receptor 2.47 2.06 AQP2 Aquaporin-2 2.12 1.43 ATP10A Probable phospholipid- 3.96 6.02 transporting ATPase VA ATP2B2 Plasma membrane calcium- 2.75 4.81 transporting ATPase 4 ATP2B3 Plasma membrane calcium- 3.7 4.14 transporting ATPase 3 ATP4A Potassium-transporting 1.56 11.49 ATPase alpha chain 1 ATP4B Potassium-transporting 2.49 13.56 ATPase subunit beta ATP6V0A2 V-type proton ATPase 116 2.51 2.57 kDa subunit a isoform 2 ATRN Attractin 4.09 9.44 AVPR1A Vasopressin V1a receptor 2.52 4.03 AVPR1B Vasopressin V1b receptor 2.97 3.32 AVPR2 Vasopressin V2 receptor 2.68 2.93 BAI1 Brain-specific angiogenesis 2.73 0.33 inhibitor 1 BAI2 Brain-specific angiogenesis 2.34 4.14 inhibitor 2 BAI3 Brain-specific angiogenesis 2.73 4.76 inhibitor 3 BDKRB1 B1 bradykinin receptor 2.07 3.28 BRS3 Bombesin receptor subtype-3 2.74 4.12 BTF3 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 11.29 13.02 member A2 C18orf1 Low-density lipoprotein 3.18 8.45 receptor class A domain- containing protein 4 C3AR1 C3a anaphylatoxin chemotactic 3.04 5.15 receptor C6orf105 Androgen-dependent TFPI- 2.34 3.84 regulating protein CASR Extracellular calcium-sensing 2.52 5 receptor CCBP2 Atypical chemokine receptor 2 1.72 3.29 CCKAR Cholecystokinin receptor type 2.46 3 A CCKBR Gastrin/cholecystokinin type B 2.25 5.66 receptor CCR2 C-C chemokine receptor type 2 5.94 3.56 CCR3 C-C chemokine receptor type 3 1.89 4.17 CCR6 C-C chemokine receptor-like 2 3.33 5.23 CCR8 C-C chemokine receptor type 8 2.28 3.93 CCR9 C-C chemokine receptor type 9 1.68 1.98 CD1A T-cell surface glycoprotein 1.98 4.88 CD1a CD1B T-cell surface glycoprotein 2.35 4.94 CD1b CD1D Antigen-presenting 2.82 4.96 glycoprotein CD1d CD300C CMRF35-like molecule 6 2.04 5.04 CD4 T-cell surface glycoprotein 2.84 6.17 CD4 CD40LG CD40 ligand, soluble form 2.1 3.49 CD5 T-cell surface glycoprotein 3.14 1.01 CD5 CD63 CD63 antigen 8.6 13.18 CD84 SLAM family member 5 4.7 3.17 CDH15 Cadherin-15 2.07 3.55 CDH19 Protocadherin-16 2.82 8.4 CDH22 Cadherin-22 3 4.9 CDH8 Cadherin-8 3.63 5.87 CDON Cell adhesion molecule- 2.35 3.61 related/down-regulated by oncogenes CHRNA4 Neuronal acetylcholine 2.14 3.33 receptor subunit alpha-4 CHRNA5 Neuronal acetylcholine 2.2 4.88 receptor subunit alpha-5 CHRNA6 Neuronal acetylcholine 2.26 4.93 receptor subunit alpha-6 CHRNB3 Neuronal acetylcholine 1.85 3.91 receptor subunit beta-3 CHRNE Acetylcholine receptor subunit 2.56 2.83 epsilon CLDN3 Claudin-3 2.91 13.56 CLDN7 Claudin-7 1.89 12.87 CLDN8 Claudin-8 2.46 10.67 CLDN9 Claudin-9 1.74 1.69 CLEC4M C-type lectin domain family 4 2.7 3.32 member M CMKLR1 Chemokine-like receptor 1 2.62 5 CNNM2 Metal transporter CNNM2 2.47 5.32 CNR2 Cannabinoid receptor 2 2.38 3.66 CRHR1 Corticotropin-releasing factor 2.15 10.71 receptor 1 CRHR2 Corticotropin-releasing factor 2.32 6.44 receptor 2 CSF1 Processed macrophage colony- 5.63 7.61 stimulating factor 1 CSF1R Macrophage colony- 2.2 4.02 stimulating factor 1 receptor CSF3R Granulocyte colony- 1.85 2.8 stimulating factor receptor CX3CL1 Processed fractalkine 2.35 9.31 CXCR5 C-X-C chemokine receptor 2.07 6.06 type 5 DAGLA Sn1-specific diacylglycerol 2.6 2.11 lipase alpha DRD1 D(1A) dopamine receptor 2.67 5.71 DRD3 D(3) dopamine receptor 2.72 4.99 DRD4 D(4) dopamine receptor 1.49 0.89 DRD5 D(1B) dopamine receptor 2.26 4.91 DSC2 Desmocollin-2 2.26 11.12 DSCAM Down syndrome cell adhesion 2.54 3.76 molecule DSG1 Desmoglein-1 2.62 7.71 EMR2 EGF-like module-containing 2.25 3.38 mucin-like hormone receptor- like 2 EPHA5 Ephrin type-A receptor 5 2.42 7.48 EPHA7 Ephrin type-A receptor 7 2.61 4.87 ERBB3 Receptor tyrosine-protein 2.39 12.76 kinase erbB-3 F2RL2 Proteinase-activated receptor 3 3.2 5.16 FAM168B Myelin-associated neurite- 8.34 11.16 outgrowth inhibitor FAP Seprase 1.87 10.15 FAS Tumor necrosis factor receptor 5.68 7.24 superfamily member 6 FASLG FasL intracellular domain 2.23 2.66 FCAR Immunoglobulin alpha Fc 2.8 3.85 receptor FCER1A High affinity immunoglobulin 2.54 4.59 epsilon receptor subunit alpha FCGR2A Low affinity immunoglobulin 2.77 8.81 gamma Fc region receptor II-a FCGR2B Low affinity immunoglobulin 2.46 5.35 gamma Fc region receptor II-b FGFR2 Fibroblast growth factor 4.01 9.83 receptor 2 FGFR4 Fibroblast growth factor 2.56 7.42 receptor 4 FLT3LG Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 7.86 4.37 ligand FPR1 fMet-Leu-Phe receptor 3.38 5.92 FPR3 N-formyl peptide receptor 3 1.91 2.61 FSHR Follicle-stimulating hormone 1.89 3.78 receptor FZD5 Frizzled-5 2.82 5.2 FZD5 Frizzled-5 1.81 5.2 FZD9 Frizzled-9 2.66 3.16 GABRA1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.2 6.26 receptor subunit alpha-1 GABRA5 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.49 3.24 receptor subunit alpha-5 GABRA6 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.54 2.98 receptor subunit alpha-6 GABRB1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 1.89 2.37 receptor subunit beta-1 GABRB2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.26 3.89 receptor subunit beta-2 GABRG3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.23 2.85 receptor subunit gamma-3 GABRP Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.93 12.34 receptor subunit pi GABRR1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.35 3.47 receptor subunit rho-1 GABRR2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 4.16 5.43 receptor subunit rho-2 GALR2 Galanin receptor type 2 1.85 0.46 GALR3 Galanin receptor type 3 0.68 0.48 GCGR Glucagon receptor 1.38 3.4 GHRHR Growth hormone-releasing 1.61 3.49 hormone receptor GJA5 Gap junction alpha-5 protein 1.72 2.05 GJA8 Gap junction alpha-8 protein 2.39 6.51 GJC1 Gap junction delta-3 protein 1.94 3.89 GLP1R Glucagon-like peptide 1 5.72 3.41 receptor GLRA1 Glycine receptor subunit 2.15 3.87 alpha-1 GLRA3 Glycine receptor subunit 3.19 3.1 alpha-3 GNRHR Gonadotropin-releasing 2.72 4.1 hormone receptor GPNMB Transmembrane glycoprotein 2.14 13.94 NMB GPR1 G-protein coupled receptor 1 3.83 4.1 GPR135 Probable G-protein coupled 4.15 1.91 receptor 135 GPR143 G-protein coupled receptor 143 1.93 3.65 GPR15 G-protein coupled receptor 15 1.81 4.41 GPR17 Uracil nucleotide/cysteinyl 1.93 1.74 leukotriene receptor GPR171 Probable G-protein coupled 7.73 6.32 receptor 171 GPR18 N-arachidonyl glycine receptor 7.05 3.52 GPR182 G-protein coupled receptor 182 1.66 1.29 GPR19 Probable G-protein coupled 1.89 5.26 receptor 19 GPR20 G-protein coupled receptor 20 2.02 2.53 GPR3 G-protein coupled receptor 3 3.01 5.36 GPR31 12-(S)-hydroxy-5,8,10,14- 1.63 1.64 eicosatetraenoic acid receptor GPR37L1 Prosaposin receptor GPR37L1 2.23 4 GPR39 G-protein coupled receptor 39 1.81 1.36 GPR44 Prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 2 2.32 GPR45 Probable G-protein coupled 2.78 5.31 receptor 45 GPR6 G-protein coupled receptor 6 2.56 3.38 GPR65 Psychosine receptor 6.59 4.5 GPR68 Ovarian cancer G-protein 2.12 1.09 coupled receptor 1 GPR98 G-protein coupled receptor 98 1.89 4.7 GRIA1 Glutamate receptor 1 4.17 4.77 GRIA3 Glutamate receptor 3 2.51 6.83 GRIK2 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 2.56 4.94 kainate 5 GRIK3 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 2.05 3.58 kainate 3 GRIN1 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 4.52 1.49 NMDA 1 GRIN2B Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 2.22 3.56 NMDA 2B GRIN2C Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 2.56 3.37 NMDA 2C GRM1 Metabotropic glutamate 3.21 3.69 receptor 1 GRM2 Metabotropic glutamate 2.04 0.44 receptor 2 GRM3 Metabotropic glutamate 2.39 3.41 receptor 3 GRM4 Metabotropic glutamate 5.2 3.78 receptor 4 GRM5 Metabotropic glutamate 2.26 5.28 receptor 5 GRM7 Metabotropic glutamate 2.86 3.07 receptor 7 GYPB Glycophorin-B 2.43 4.02 HBP1 Glycosylphosphatidylinositol- 7.32 9.27 anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 HCRTR2 Orexin receptor type 2 2.32 2.42 HTR1B 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2.82 3.51 1B HTR1D 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2.29 2.33 1D HTR1E 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1.72 2.4 1E HTR2A 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2.1 3.67 2A HTR2C 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2.49 5.18 2C HTR4 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3.86 4.25 4 ICAM4 Intercellular adhesion molecule 2.51 2.16 4 ICOS Inducible T-cell costimulator 3.91 3.86 IL6R Interleukin-6 receptor subunit 4.24 3.08 alpha IL6R Interleukin-6 receptor subunit 2.64 3.08 alpha IL6ST Interleukin-6 receptor subunit 9.43 12.67 beta IL9R Interleukin-9 receptor 2.71 2.86 ITGB3 Integrin beta-3 4.16 3.69 KCNA3 Potassium voltage-gated 2.09 4.9 channel subfamily A member 3 KCND2 Potassium voltage-gated 2.67 4.25 channel subfamily D member 2 KCNH1 Potassium voltage-gated 2.31 4.48 channel subfamily H member 1 KCNJ4 Inward rectifier potassium 2.43 3.49 channel 4 KCNMA1 Calcium-activated potassium 2.35 7.17 channel subunit alpha-1 KCNS1 Potassium voltage-gated 5.66 6.49 channel subfamily S member 1 KCNV2 Potassium voltage-gated 2.38 4.06 channel subfamily V member 2 KIR2DL4 Killer cell immunoglobulin- 1.68 3.31 like receptor 2DL4 KIR3DL1 Killer cell immunoglobulin- 2.56 2.73 like receptor 3DL1 KIR3DL3 Killer cell immunoglobulin- 1.7 3.06 like receptor 3DL3 KLRG1 Killer cell lectin-like receptor 8.3 5.76 subfamily G member 1 LAMP1 Lysosome-associated 10.9 13.6 membrane glycoprotein 1 LHCGR Lutropin-choriogonadotropic 2.23 4.92 hormone receptor LNPEP Leucyl-cystinyl 2.68 5.05 aminopeptidase, pregnancy serum form LPAR2 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5.5 4.23 2 LRIG2 Leucine-rich repeats and 3.35 5.48 immunoglobulin-like domains protein 2 LRRTM2 Leucine-rich repeat 2.42 4.24 transmembrane neuronal protein 2 LTB4R Leukotriene B4 receptor 1 4.96 2.26 MAS1 Proto-oncogene Mas 1.91 3.11 MC1R Melanocyte-stimulating 2.94 0.96 hormone receptor MC5R Melanocortin receptor 5 2.28 1.63 MEP1B Meprin A subunit beta 2.61 3.87 MFSD5 Molybdate-anion transporter 1.98 4.72 MOG Myelin-oligodendrocyte 3.08 4.74 glycoprotein MTNR1B Melatonin receptor type 1B 1.61 1.67 MUC1 Mucin-1 subunit beta 2.73 13.68 MUSK Muscle, skeletal receptor 2.39 4.75 tyrosine-protein kinase NCAM2 Neural cell adhesion molecule 2.12 4.49 2 NCR2 Natural cytotoxicity triggering 4.79 7.09 receptor 2 NCR3 Natural cytotoxicity triggering 4.55 2.74 receptor 3 NIPA2 Magnesium transporter NIPA2 6.77 3.9 NLGN1 Neuroligin-1 2.62 7.71 NLGN4Y Neuroligin-4, Y-linked 2.52 5.26 NMBR Neuromedin-B receptor 1.68 2.47 NPHS1 Nephrin 2.74 4.33 NPY2R Neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 2.68 4.43 NPY5R Neuropeptide Y receptor type 5 2.38 5.05 NTSR2 Neurotensin receptor type 2 1.72 3 OPRD1 Delta-type opioid receptor 2.26 2.14 OPRL1 Nociceptin receptor 2.31 1.51 OPRM1 Mu-type opioid receptor 3.18 4.01 OR10H3 Olfactory receptor 10H3 1.63 4.02 OR1E1 Olfactory receptor 1E1 3.04 4.77 OR2F1 Olfactory receptor 2F1 2.64 5.73 OR2F2 Olfactory receptor 2F2 2.19 2.3 OR2H1 Olfactory receptor 2H1 3.39 3.82 OR2H2 Olfactory receptor 2H2 3.79 6.37 OR2J2 Olfactory receptor 2J2 2.41 2.16 OR2J2 Olfactory receptor 2J2 1.93 2.16 OR5I1 Olfactory receptor 5I1 1.85 2.8 OR7E24 Olfactory receptor 7E24 2.5 3.47 P2RX7 P2X purinoceptor 7 2.36 2.15 PANX1 Pannexin-1 2.14 4.38 PCDHA9 Protocadherin alpha-9 2.82 3.56 PCDHB11 Protocadherin beta-11 1.91 5.23 PCDHGA8 Protocadherin gamma-A8 3.13 4.48 PLA2R1 Soluble secretory 2.91 5.16 phospholipase A2 receptor PLXNA3 Plexin-A3 2.42 3.25 POP1 Blood vessel epicardial 1.74 2.59 substance PPYR1 Neuropeptide Y receptor type 4 2.2 2.75 PTGER1 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 1.96 0.94 subtype PTGFR Prostaglandin F2-alpha 2.75 4.89 receptor PTGIR Prostacyclin receptor 2.78 2.12 PTPRJ Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 2.63 4.6 phosphatase eta PTPRR Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 2.47 9.99 phosphatase R PVRL1 Poliovirus receptor-related 2.52 4.51 protein 1 PVRL2 Poliovirus receptor-related 3.84 10.05 protein 2 ROS1 Proto-oncogene tyrosine- 2.93 3.38 protein kinase ROS S1PR2 Sphingosine 1-phosphate 1.74 1.17 receptor 2 S1PR4 Sphingosine 1-phosphate 4 0.21 receptor 4 SCNN1B Amiloride-sensitive sodium 1.89 3.16 channel subunit beta SCNN1G Amiloride-sensitive sodium 2.23 2.61 channel subunit gamma SEMA4D Semaphorin-4D 10.66 1.56 SEMA6A Semaphorin-6A 4.55 7.81 SEMA6C Semaphorin-6C 5.02 3.73 SGCB Beta-sarcoglycan 2.69 3.45 SGCB Beta-sarcoglycan 2.04 3.45 SLC12A3 Solute carrier family 12 2.26 3.36 member 3 SLC14A1 Urea transporter 1 2.97 6.21 SLC14A2 Urea transporter 2 2.85 4.4 SLC16A1 Monocarboxylate transporter 1 3.46 8.84 SLC16A2 Monocarboxylate transporter 8 1.77 5.17 SLC16A6 Monocarboxylate transporter 7 2.41 11.66 SLC22A1 Solute carrier family 22 2.95 11.61 member 1 SLC22A6 Solute carrier family 22 2.26 2.53 member 6 SLC5A12 Sodium-coupled 2.98 4.45 monocarboxylate transporter 2 SLC6A1 Sodium- and chloride- 2.45 4.3 dependent GABA transporter 1 SLC6A4 Sodium-dependent serotonin 2.17 2.66 transporter SLC6A6 Sodium- and chloride- 2.54 4.13 dependent taurine transporter SLC7A7 Y + L amino acid transporter 1 2.22 9.78 SLC8A1 Sodium/calcium exchanger 1 2.07 2.36 SLC9A1 Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 1 3.15 5.54 SLC9A3 Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 2.12 3.15 SLCO1A2 Solute carrier organic anion 3.87 4.98 transporter family member 1A2 SLCO2B1 Solute carrier organic anion 4.43 8.92 transporter family member 2B1 SORT1 Sortilin 2.93 4.6 SSTR2 Somatostatin receptor type 2 3.08 4.47 SSTR3 Somatostatin receptor type 3 2.23 1.5 SSTR4 Somatostatin receptor type 4 1.83 1.53 SSTR5 Somatostatin receptor type 5 2.57 1.47 TACR1 Substance-P receptor 2.66 3.2 TACR3 Neuromedin-K receptor 2.32 5.7 TLR6 Toll-like receptor 6 2.2 4.58 TMPRSS6 Transmembrane protease 4.02 3.69 serine 6 TNFSF11 Tumor necrosis factor ligand 2.57 5.18 superfamily member 11, TNFSF14 Tumor necrosis factor ligand 3.34 2.83 superfamily member 14, soluble form TPO Thyroid peroxidase 1.96 1.89 TRAT1 T-cell receptor-associated 7.51 5.29 transmembrane adapter 1 TRHR Thyrotropin-releasing hormone 2 4.18 receptor TRPM1 Transient receptor potential 2.43 5.22 cation channel subfamily M member 1 TSHR Thyrotropin receptor 2.9 4.87 TSHR Thyrotropin receptor 2.12 4.87 UNC93A Protein unc-93 homolog A 2.64 4.94 VIPR2 Vasoactive intestinal 2.58 3.37 polypeptide receptor 2 ZP2 Processed zona pellucida 1.94 3.55 sperm-binding protein 2

TABLE 7 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both digestive tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ACVR1B Activin receptor type-1B 5.16 10.48 AMIGO2 Amphoterin-induced protein 2 6.73 8.2 ATP1B1 Sodium/potassium-transporting 2.64 12.31 ATPase subunit beta-1 ATP8B1 Probable phospholipid- 8.22 2.17 transporting ATPase IC CCR7 C-C chemokine receptor type 7 10.25 11.52 CD164 Sialomucin core protein 24 10.27 12.12 CD180 CD180 antigen 2.5 6.47 CD40 Tumor necrosis factor receptor 5.02 6 superfamily member 5 CD53 Leukocyte surface antigen CD53 10.79 11.3 CD79A B-cell antigen receptor complex- 3.74 9.17 associated protein alpha chain CD79B B-cell antigen receptor complex- 3.6 6.66 associated protein beta chain CD8B T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 8.43 2.62 beta chain CELSR1 Cadherin EGF LAG seven-pass 2.72 8.68 G-type receptor 1 CLCN5 H(+)/Cl(−) exchange transporter 5 2.71 4.97 CLDN18 Claudin-18 3.05 14.51 CLIC1 Chloride intracellular channel 9.94 13.83 protein 1 COL13A1 Collagen alpha-1(XIII) chain 2.96 6.24 DIO3 Type III iodothyronine 2.04 2.9 deiodinase EDNRA Endothelin-1 receptor 2.9 8.96 EMR1 EGF-like module-containing 1.83 7.29 mucin-like hormone receptor- like 1 ENPP1 Nucleotide pyrophosphatase 2.57 9.66 EPHB1 Ephrin type-B receptor 1 2.02 6.33 EPHB1 Ephrin type-B receptor 1 1.81 6.33 F2R Proteinase-activated receptor 1 3.04 9.78 F2RL1 Proteinase-activated receptor 2, 3.31 9.47 alternate cleaved 2 FCER2 Low affinity immunoglobulin 2.49 8.77 epsilon Fc receptor soluble form GABBR1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid type 6 5.1 8.52 receptor subunit 1 GABRA3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.12 3.84 receptor subunit alpha-3 GPR183 G-protein coupled receptor 183 4.79 10.22 GPR37 Prosaposin receptor GPR37 3.1 8.23 GPRC5A Retinoic acid-induced protein 3 1.87 13.69 GRPR Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor 2.04 3.35 GYPC Glycophorin-C 9.22 7.58 IL1R2 Interleukin-1 receptor type 2, 2.82 12.83 soluble form KIAA0319 Dyslexia-associated protein 2.43 5.61 KIAA0319 LAMP2 Lysosome-associated 4.05 11.29 membrane glycoprotein 2 LRP8 Low-density lipoprotein receptor- 4.24 8.84 related protein 8 LSR Lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein 4.99 11.48 receptor MICB MHC class I polypeptide-related 5.27 9.89 sequence B MMP16 Matrix metalloproteinase-16 3.19 6.18 MS4A1 B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 2.15 8.02 MYOF Myoferlin 2.41 11.56 NAT1 Sodium-coupled neutral amino 3.49 12.09 acid transporter 3 NFASC Neurofascin 3.78 8.28 NPY1R Neuropeptide Y receptor type 1 2.32 6.93 OR2B6 Olfactory receptor 2B6 2.78 4.24 P2RY10 Putative P2Y purinoceptor 10 3.39 6.62 PCDH1 Protocadherin-1 4.45 10.07 PROM1 Prominin-1 2.52 11.77 PSEN1 Presenilin-1 CTF12 2.94 8.83 PTGER2 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 6.33 6.74 subtype PTGER4 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 8.62 5.12 subtype PTPRK Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 2.14 10.9 phosphatase kappa RET Extracellular cell-membrane 2.38 12.3 anchored RET cadherin 120 kDa fragment SERINC3 Serine incorporator 3 7.93 12.01 SIT1 Sodium- and chloride-dependent 5.92 4.82 transporter XTRP3 SLAMF1 Signaling lymphocytic activation 4.4 9.03 molecule SLC29A1 Equilibrative nucleoside 2.07 6.12 transporter 1 SLC39A6 Zinc transporter ZIP6 6.69 15.23 SLC7A5 Large neutral amino acids 3.79 10.98 transporter small subunit 1 STX4 Syntaxin-4 5.68 7.67 TGFBR3 Transforming growth factor beta 7.55 7.29 receptor type 3 TGOLN2 Trans-Golgi network integral 9.59 11.3 membrane protein 2 TLR1 Toll-like receptor 1 2.34 4.57 TMED10 Transmembrane emp24 domain- 9.34 12.24 containing protein 10 TMEM97 Transmembrane protein 97 2.75 9.02 TNF Tumor necrosis factor, soluble 1.63 3.18 form TNFRSF17 Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1.89 10.47 superfamily member 17 TNFRSF1B Tumor necrosis factor-binding 5.51 9.4 protein 2 VDAC1 Voltage-dependent anion- 6.52 11.5 selective channel protein 1

TABLE 8 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both kidney tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ADORA3 Adenosine receptor A3 1.89 4.56 ATP11A Probable phospholipid- 3.62 8.8 transporting ATPase IH BSG Basigin 4.77 11.34 BTN3A2 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 10.86 8.19 member A2 C10orf72 V-set and transmembrane 2.04 6.85 domain-containing protein 4 CADM3 Cell adhesion molecule 3 3.57 6.39 CD8A T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 10.35 6.6 alpha chain CDH16 Cadherin-16 2.17 7.09 CDH4 Cadherin-4 2.15 3.6 CDH5 Cadherin-5 2.5 9.55 CHL1 Processed neural cell adhesion 2.69 10.43 molecule L1-like protein CHRNB1 Acetylcholine receptor subunit 2.12 3.6 beta CLIC4 Chloride intracellular channel 3.34 13.12 protein 4 CNR1 Cannabinoid receptor 1 2.26 5.64 CRIM1 Processed cysteine-rich motor 3.57 12.39 neuron 1 protein CSPG4 Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 3.33 6.59 4 CYBB Cytochrome b-245 heavy chain 2.86 8.07 EDNRB Endothelin B receptor 3.04 8.97 FLT1 Vascular endothelial growth 2.75 8.5 factor receptor 1 FZD1 Frizzled-1 2.72 7.59 GJC2 Gap junction gamma-2 protein 2.09 2.94 GLRB Glycine receptor subunit beta 2.51 7.15 GPER G-protein coupled estrogen 2.34 8.64 receptor 1 GPM6A Neuronal membrane glycoprotein 2.95 6.88 M6-a GPR162 Probable G-protein coupled 2.75 2.81 receptor 162 GPR4 G-protein coupled receptor 4 2.93 8.09 GRM8 Metabotropic glutamate receptor 3.43 8.25 8 HLA-DPB1 HLA class II histocompatibility 9.93 13.99 antigen, DP beta 1 chain HTR6 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 4.83 10.07 INSR Insulin receptor subunit beta 3.44 8.95 ITM2B Bri23 peptide 11.16 12.19 KCNJ1 ATP-sensitive inward rectifier 2.5 4.17 potassium channel 1 KDR Vascular endothelial growth 2.99 9.95 factor receptor 2 KL Klotho peptide 2.83 7.59 LAIR1 Leukocyte-associated 5.64 4.25 immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 MFAP3 Microfibril-associated 3.7 7.3 glycoprotein 3 MFAP3L Microfibrillar-associated protein 3.44 8.7 3-like MICA MHC class I polypeptide-related 4.07 2.01 sequence A NCAM1 Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 2.45 7.31 NOTCH3 Notch 3 intracellular domain 3.21 12.41 NOTCH4 Notch 4 intracellular domain 5.89 8.84 OLR1 Oxidized low-density lipoprotein 2.84 8.41 receptor 1, soluble form P2RY14 P2Y purinoceptor 14 2.63 4.63 PCDH17 Protocadherin-17 1.7 7.36 PDGFRB Platelet-derived growth factor 2.68 10.48 receptor beta PECAM1 Platelet endothelial cell adhesion 7.7 10.85 molecule PLXND1 Plexin-D1 5.02 11.68 PPAP2B Lipid phosphate 4.17 12.46 phosphohydrolase 3 PTAFR Platelet-activating factor receptor 3.01 4.81 PTGER3 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 4.76 10.26 subtype PTH1R Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid 2.35 7.31 hormone-related peptide receptor RAMP3 Receptor activity-modifying 1.79 8.84 3protein ROR2 Tyrosine-protein kinase 3.2 5.98 transmembrane receptor ROR2 S1PR1 Sphingosine 1-phosphate 5.17 6.51 receptor 1 SCARB1 Scavenger receptor class B 3.01 10.4 member 1 SLC13A3 Solute carrier family 13 member 3.32 7.89 3 SLC16A4 Monocarboxylate transporter 5 2.88 12.54 SLC17A3 Sodium-dependent phosphate 1.58 11.55 transport protein 4 SLC28A1 Sodium/nucleoside cotransporter 4.76 6.3 1 SLC2A5 Solute carrier family 2, facilitated 2.74 8.5 glucose transporter member 5 SLC39A14 Zinc transporter ZIP14 2.66 11.63 SLC6A13 Sodium- and chloride-dependent 2.75 7.44 GABA transporter 2 SLC7A8 Large neutral amino acids 5.03 10.46 transporter small subunit 2 SLCO2A1 Solute carrier organic anion 3.46 8.06 transporter family member 2A1 TBXA2R Thromboxane A2 receptor 4.01 3.64 TGFBR2 TGF-beta receptor type-2 10.41 10.94 THSD7A Thrombospondin type-1 domain- 3.05 8 containing protein 7A TIE1 Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor 2.04 4.41 Tie-1 TNFRSF1A Tumor necrosis factor-binding 6.84 10.52 protein 1 TNFSF12 Tumor necrosis factor ligand 4.35 4.1 superfamily member 12, secreted form VAMP5 Vesicle-associated membrane 3.49 6.18 protein 5

TABLE 9 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both liver tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ABCB4 Multidrug resistance protein 3 2.02 3.7 ADAM10 Disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9.42 9.41 domain-containing protein 10 ATR Anthrax toxin receptor 1 6.98 9.9 BST2 Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 7.38 12.45 BTN3A3 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 member 9.72 7.48 A3 C9 Complement component C9b 2.41 10.52 CHRND Acetylcholine receptor subunit 2.43 4.05 delta CLDN14 Claudin-14 2.79 2.4 EPOR Erythropoietin receptor 4.67 10.55 ERBB2 Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase 2.36 14.12 erbB-2 F2RL3 Proteinase-activated receptor 4 2.17 2.61 GJB1 Gap junction beta-1 protein 2.96 9.4 GPR126 G-protein coupled receptor 126 2.23 11.32 IL1R1 Interleukin-1 receptor type 1, 2.88 12.57 soluble form ITGB1 Integrin beta-1 8.76 13.48 NAALADL1 N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic 3.03 1.46 dipeptidase-like protein OR7A5 Olfactory receptor 7A5 1.51 3.83 SGCD Delta-sarcoglycan 3.99 7.21 SIGLEC6 Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 6 3.57 3.49 SLC38A3 Sodium-coupled neutral amino 1.89 8.91 acid transporter 3 TFR2 Transferrin receptor protein 2 2.74 10.47

TABLE 10 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both lung tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ABCB6 ATP-binding cassette sub-family 2.88 9.82 B member 6, mitochondrial ABCC1 Multidrug resistance-associated 7.05 8.16 protein 1 ACCN1 Acid-sensing ion channel 2 2.25 0.8 ADAM23 Disintegrin and 2.51 4.73 metalloproteinase domain- containing protein 23 ADORA1 Adenosine receptor A1 4.49 8.22 ADORA2B Adenosine receptor A2b 1.66 7.5 AJAP1 Adherens junction-associated 1.85 6.24 protein 1 APLP1 C30 2.22 6.02 AQP3 Aquaporin-3 8.38 13.88 ATP10D Probable phospholipid- 2.43 7.4 transporting ATPase VD ATP1A3 Sodium/potassium-transporting 3.01 3.13 ATPase subunit alpha-3 ATP1B2 Sodium/potassium-transporting 3.21 3.8 ATPase subunit beta-2 ATP1B3 Sodium/potassium-transporting 8.6 14.26 ATPase subunit beta-3 AXL Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor 2.51 9.58 UFO BEST1 Bestrophin-1 2.49 4.44 BTC Betacellulin 2.86 4.59 BTN3A1 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 10.66 11.63 member Al CALCR Calcitonin receptor 2.95 8.62 CALCRL Calcitonin gene-related peptide 2.12 7.67 type 1 receptor CCR1 C-C chemokine receptor type 1 2.63 9.77 CD163 Soluble CD163 2.66 8.76 CD300A CMRF35-like molecule 8 7.96 4.23 CD300A CMRF35-like molecule 8 2.29 4.23 CD68 Macrosialin 4.02 8.92 CD74 HLA class II histocompatibility 9.1 13.44 antigen gamma chain CD86 T-lymphocyte activation antigen 2.93 5.04 CD86 CHRNA3 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor 2.54 4.62 subunit alpha-3 CHRNA3 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor 2 4.62 subunit alpha-3 CKAP4 Cytoskeleton-associated protein 6.15 11.94 4 CLCA2 Calcium-activated chloride 2.99 9.81 channel regulator 2, 35 kDa form CLDN5 Claudin-5 3.66 7.73 CLSTN1 CTF1-alpha 8.26 12.51 CNIH3 Protein cornichon homolog 3 2.7 6.09 COMT Catechol O-methyltransferase 7.78 12.13 CSPG5 Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 2.84 5.69 5 CXCR6 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 3.16 3.91 6 CXCR7 Atypical chemokine receptor 3 2.5 8.95 DCHS1 Protocadherin-16 4.29 2.28 DSC3 Desmocollin-2 2.82 8.95 DSG3 Desmoglein-3 2.23 10.73 EGFR Epidermal growth factor 3.8 10.92 receptor FAT2 Protocadherin Fat 2 2.25 9.29 FCER1G High affinity immunoglobulin 3.13 8.96 epsilon receptor subunit gamma FCGR1A High affinity immunoglobulin 2.09 9.65 gamma Fc receptor I FLT4 Vascular endothelial growth 3.19 3.36 factor receptor 3 FPR2 N-formyl peptide receptor 2 2.9 7.14 FURIN Furin 6.42 7.5 FZD6 Frizzled-6 2.64 10.45 GABBR2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid type 3.79 9.19 B receptor subunit 2 GABRB3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 2.46 8.83 receptor subunit beta-3 GABRD Gamma-aminobutyric acid 1.72 1.67 receptor subunit delta GABRE Gamma-aminobutyric acid 1.85 9.18 receptor subunit epsilon GIPR Gastric inhibitory polypeptide 3.43 5.37 receptor GJA1 Gap junction alpha-1 protein 2.84 12.65 GJB3 Gap junction beta-3 protein 3.72 3.79 GJB5 Gap junction beta-5 protein 1.77 6.69 GLRA2 Glycine receptor subunit alpha-2 2.26 6.15 GPR109B Hydroxycarboxylic acid 1.77 2.91 receptor 3 GPR12 G-protein coupled receptor 12 2 1.76 GPR176 Probable G-protein coupled 2.05 3.86 receptor 176 GPR50 Melatonin-related receptor 2.26 3.16 GRIK1 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 4.66 5.65 kainate 1 GRIN2D Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 2.17 2.32 NMDA 2D HCRTR1 Orexin receptor type 1 2.34 3.56 HLA-DPA1 HLA class II histocompatibility 8.31 12.86 antigen, DP alpha 1 chain HLA-DQA1 HLA class II histocompatibility 2.35 11.44 antigen, DQ alpha 1 chain HLA-DQB1 HLA class II histocompatibility 7.4 12.71 antigen, DQ beta 1 chain HLA-DRA HLA class II histocompatibility 6.42 14.18 antigen, DR alpha chain HLA-DRB4 HLA class II histocompatibility 2.72 11.24 antigen, DR beta 4 chain IGSF9B Protein turtle homolog B 3.92 2.81 IL1RAP Interleukin-1 receptor accessory 3.99 11.4 protein IL1RL1 Interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 2.55 5.15 IL4R Soluble interleukin-4 receptor 4.15 9.56 subunit alpha IL7R Interleukin-7 receptor subunit 11.62 11.26 alpha ITGA6 Integrin alpha-6 light chain 7.99 12.76 JPH3 Junctophilin-3 2.34 2.5 KCNS3 Potassium voltage-gated channel 2.45 8.91 subfamily S member 3 KIT Mast/stem cell growth factor 2.85 8.67 receptor Kit KITLG Soluble KIT ligand 2.58 7.27 LILRB3 Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like 5.65 8.03 receptor subfamily B member 3 LILRB4 Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like 3.12 10.44 receptor subfamily B member 4 LPAR1 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 4.12 5.47 LPHN3 Latrophilin-3 2.85 6.43 MMP24 Processed matrix 5.19 5.73 metalloproteinase-24 MPZ Myelin protein P0 2.56 3.63 MUC4 Mucin-4 beta chain 3.04 10.34 NCKAP1L Nck-associated protein 1-like 6.69 7.51 NKG7 Protein NKG7 10.92 3.66 NOTCH2 Notch 2 intracellular domain 6.62 6.22 NRCAM Neuronal cell adhesion molecule 2.78 8.16 NRG2 Neuregulin-2 3.55 9.22 NRXN1 Neurexin-1 2.56 5.33 NTRK2 BDNF/NT-3 growth factors 2.56 10.7 receptor NTSR1 Neurotensin receptor type 1 1.74 9.74 P2RY1 P2Y purinoceptor 1 2.34 7.62 P2RY6 P2Y purinoceptor 6 4.27 5.79 PCDH8 Protocadherin-8 2.67 9.29 PCDHA3 Protocadherin alpha-3 2.14 3.54 PIK3IP1 Phosphoinositide-3-kinase- 8.68 3.47 interacting protein 1 PLXNA2 Plexin-A2 2.88 7.3 PRR4 Processed poliovirus receptor- 3.24 8.02 related protein 4 PTPRE Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 6.03 7.92 phosphatase epsilon PTPRO Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 10.46 9.01 phosphatase U PTPRU Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 3.72 6.18 phosphatase U RABAC1 Prenylated Rab acceptor protein 7.54 8.82 1 SCTR Secretin receptor 2.2 2.48 SECTM1 Secreted and transmembrane 2.42 6.9 protein 1 SGCE Epsilon-sarcoglycan 2.15 9.65 SGCG Gamma-sarcoglycan 2.56 5.74 SLC16A3 Monocarboxylate transporter 4 5.89 12.72 SLC16A7 Monocarboxylate transporter 2 5.39 6.97 SLC20A2 Sodium-dependent phosphate 2.51 12.69 transporter 2 SLC26A4 Pendrin 3.57 9.39 SLC2A1 Solute carrier family 2, 5.1 5.83 facilitated glucose transporter member 1 SLC4A7 Sodium bicarbonate 4.89 8.7 cotransporter 3 SLCO3A1 Solute carrier organic anion 4.87 7.91 transporter family member 3A1 SYNE2 Nesprin-2 9.43 10.43 TACR2 Substance-K receptor 2.23 6.68 TFRC Transferrin receptor protein 1, 7.32 14.31 serum form TMEFF1 Tomoregulin-1 3.22 5.05 TMPRSS11D Transmembrane protease serine 2.35 8.32 11D catalytic chain

TABLE 11 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both ovary tumor cells and T-cells; Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ACVR2B Activin receptor type-2B 2.1 4.26 ADAM28 Disintegrin and metalloproteinase 2.83 9.22 domain-containing protein 28 ADRA2C Alpha-2C adrenergic receptor 4.6 5.13 ATP2B1 Plasma membrane calcium- 5.3 11.49 transporting ATPase 1 ATP2B4 Plasma membrane calcium- 8.21 10.1 transporting ATPase 4 ATP7A Copper-transporting ATPase 1 3.91 7.31 CD200 OX-2 membrane glycoprotein 2.83 10.51 CD47 Leukocyte surface antigen CD47 9.88 10.42 CDH12 Cadherin-12 2.31 5.91 CDH18 Cadherin-18 2.28 4.79 CDH2 Cadherin-2 3.72 11.97 CDH6 Cadherin-6 2.77 8.68 CDIPT CDP-diacylglycerol--inositol 3- 8.88 10.73 phosphatidyltransferase CELSR2 Cadherin EGF LAG seven-pass 2.66 8.38 G-type receptor 2 CHRNA1 Acetylcholine receptor subunit 2.42 5.71 alpha CLSTN3 Calsyntenin-3 3.87 4.54 CX3CR1 CX3C chemokine receptor 1 9 11.42 DDR1 Epithelial discoidin domain- 3.83 12.36 containing receptor 1 EPHA1 Ephrin type-A receptor 1 2.02 5.96 EPHA4 Ephrin type-A receptor 4 2.39 8.56 ERBB4 ERBB4 intracellular domain 2.29 9.76 FGFR1 Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 5.42 11.4 FGFR3 Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 2.95 11.35 FZD2 Frizzled-2 1.91 8.06 FZD7 Frizzled-7 2.55 10.24 GJA4 Gap junction alpha-4 protein 2.04 6.7 GPR125 Probable G-protein coupled 2.35 7.88 receptor 125 GPR56 GPR56 C-terminal fragment 8.6 11.27 GPR64 G-protein coupled receptor 64 2.04 8.57 GPRC5B G-protein coupled receptor family 1.96 10.29 C group 5 member B GRIA2 Glutamate receptor 2 1.96 11.78 GRIK5 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 5.79 3.36 kainate 5 GRIN2A Glutamate receptor ionotropic, 1.68 2.96 NMDA 2A HEG1 Protein HEG homolog 1 4.8 10.1 HRH1 Histamine H1 receptor 2.31 6.26 HTR3A 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3A 2.1 9.35 IFITM2 Interferon-induced transmembrane 10.27 11.36 protein 2 IFITM3 Interferon-induced transmembrane 8.55 13.48 protein 3 KCNH2 Potassium voltage-gated channel 2.09 5.36 subfamily H member 2 KCNJ12 ATP-sensitive inward rectifier 2.29 2.21 potassium channel 12 L1CAM Neural cell adhesion 2.61 8.73 molecule L1 LGR5 Leucine-rich repeat-containing 2.45 12.12 G-protein coupled receptor 5 LPHN1 Latrophilin-1 4.5 5.56 LPHN1 Latrophilin-1 1.63 5.56 LPHN2 Latrophilin-2 1.93 7.14 MGA Glucoamylase 5.15 5.65 NEO1 Neogenin 1.85 10.31 NPTN Neuroplastin 8.46 13.14 NRG1 Neuregulin-1 2.61 6.53 NTRK1 High affinity nerve growth factor 2.09 2.49 receptor PCDH7 Protocadherin-7 2.89 8.52 PCDH9 Protocadherin-9 2.99 6.15 PDGFRA Platelet-derived growth factor 3.69 8.44 receptor alpha PDGFRA Platelet-derived growth factor 2.26 8.44 receptor alpha PLXNB1 Plexin-B1 2.26 6.71 PLXNB2 Plexin-B2 3.1 10.68 PODXL Podocalyxin 2.73 11.41 PRSS8 Prostasin heavy chain 2.07 10.77 PTH2R Parathyroid hormone 2 receptor 1.85 8.67 PVRL3 Poliovirus receptor-related 2.56 10.15 protein 3 SCNN1A Amiloride-sensitive sodium 5.97 10.63 channel subunit alpha SLC29A2 Equilibrative nucleoside 2.93 1.89 transporter 2 SSPN Sarcospan 3.49 9.16 STAR Heat-stable enterotoxin receptor 2.36 7.13 TGFA Transforming growth factor alpha 2.64 1.71 TMED1 Transmembrane emp24 domain- 4.79 9.3 containing protein 1 TMEM59 Transmembrane protein 59 8.83 12.74 TNFRSF25 Tumor necrosis factor receptor 7.53 4.27 superfamily member 25 TYRO3 Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor 4.11 10.27 TYRO3 UPK2 Uroplakin-2 2.29 7.49

TABLE 12 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both pancreas tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ADAM9 Disintegrin and metalloproteinase 3.49 10.99 domain-containing protein 9 B4GALT1 Processed beta-1,4- 7.44 8.99 galactosyltransferase 1 BDKRB2 B2 bradykinin receptor 2.52 4.44 CA9 Carbonic anhydrase 9 3.34 11.9 CACNA1C Voltage-dependent L-type 2.36 4.54 calcium channel subunit alpha- 1C CD58 Lymphocyte function-associated 6.51 8.16 antigen 3 CDH11 Cadherin-11 2.85 10.38 CDH3 Cadherin-3 1.96 10.91 CFTR Cystic fibrosis transmembrane 3.12 11.45 conductance regulator CHRNB4 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor 2.38 0.66 subunit beta-4 CLDN10 Claudin-10 2.36 11.5 CXCR4 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 11.74 10.98 DAG1 Beta-dystroglycan 5.65 10.98 DDR2 Discoidin domain-containing 2.34 8 receptor 2 DMPK Myotonin-protein kinase 3.7 4.21 FAT1 Protocadherin Fat 1, nuclear form 3.3 12.45 HTR2B 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B 2.22 7.73 LDLR Low-density lipoprotein receptor 2.93 12.14 NCKAP1 Nck-associated protein 1 3.34 11.99 PMP22 Peripheral myelin protein 22 2.09 10.66 PNPLA2 Patatin-like phospholipase 5.46 3.45 domain-containing protein 2 PNPLA2 Patatin-like phospholipase 2.35 3.45 domain-containing protein 2 TEK Angiopoietin-1 receptor 3.87 8.52 TGFBR1 TGF-beta receptor type-1 2.17 4.3

TABLE 13 antigen markers expressed on the surface of both prostate tumor cells and T-cells Relative Expression Relative in colon expression cancer Antigen Protein Name in T-Cell cells ACCN3 Acid-sensing ion channel 3 2.47 2.03 ADRB1 Beta-1 adrenergic receptor 2.85 5.09 ADRB2 Beta-2 adrenergic receptor 5.74 9.43 AGTR1 Type-1 angiotensin II receptor 2.81 11.62 APLP2 Amyloid-like protein 2 7.06 13.06 ATP1A2 Sodium/potassium-transporting 3.07 7.55 ATPase subunit alpha-2 ATP8A1 Probable phospholipid- 7.23 9.16 transporting ATPase IA CADM1 Cell adhesion molecule 1 4.42 12.28 CHRM3 Muscarinic acetylcholine 1.85 9.23 receptor M3 CHRNA2 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor 2.83 5.34 subunit alpha-2 CXADR Coxsackievirus and adenovirus 3.31 12.74 receptor DPP4 Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 soluble 6.42 11.22 form ECE1 Endothelin-converting enzyme 1 7.14 4.7 ENPP4 Bis(5′-adenosyl)-triphosphatase 6.57 7.49 ENPP4 EPHA3 Ephrin type-A receptor 3 2.84 7.85 ERG Potassium voltage-gated channel 2.72 11.3 subfamily H member 2 FAM38A Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion 8.4 9.57 channel component 1 FOLH1 Glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 2.96 13.18 GABRA2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid 3 6.42 receptor subunit alpha-2 GHR Growth hormone-binding protein 2.52 6.84 GPM6B Neuronal membrane glycoprotein 3.22 6.56 M6-b GPR116 Probable G-protein coupled 3.69 10.09 receptor 116 HBEGF Heparin-binding EGF-like 2.87 8.12 growth factor JAM3 Junctional adhesion molecule C 4.29 7.26 KCND3 Potassium voltage-gated channel 3.09 9.77 subfamily D member 3 LIFR Leukemia inhibitory factor 2.71 6.8 receptor LRBA Lipopolysaccharide-responsive 5.35 9.26 and beige-like anchor protein MME Neprilysin 2.62 8.05 NOV Plexin-A1 2.43 10.41 NRP1 Neuropilin-1 3.17 7.85 OPRK1 Kappa-type opioid receptor 2.07 4.92 PLXNB3 Plexin-B3 2.57 3.59 PPAP2A Lipid phosphate 3.6 11.55 phosphohydrolase 1 SCAMP5 Secretory carrier-associated 3.03 8.43 membrane protein 5 SLC23A2 Solute carrier family 23 3.55 7.04 member 2 SLC2A4 Solute carrier family 2, 2.67 5.96 facilitated glucose transporter member 4 SLC36A1 Proton-coupled amino acid 3.38 9.28 transporter 1 SLC4A4 Electrogenic sodium bicarbonate 3.14 11.29 cotransporter 1 STIM1 Stromal interaction molecule 1 3.68 6.51 TMPRSS2 Transmembrane protease serine 2 2.67 9.63 catalytic chain TRPV6 Transient receptor potential 4.84 8.09 cation channel subfamily V member 6 VIPR1 Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide 4.41 7.73 receptor 1 YIPF3 Protein YIPF3, 36 kDa form III 4 4.3

TABLE 14 antigen markers expressed on the surface of T-cells and overexpressed in liquid tumor cells (ALL, AML, CML, MDS, CLL, CTRL) Relative expression Antigen Protein Name on T cell CD63 CD63 antigen 0.83 CXCR4 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 0.82 IFITM2 Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 2 0.82 ITM2B Bri23 peptide 0.81 BTF3 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A2 0.8 HLA-DRB1 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, 0.79 DRB1-12 beta chain HLA-DRA HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DR 0.78 alpha chain IFITM3 Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 0.78 NKG7 Protein NKG7 0.78 FCER1G High affinity immunoglobulin epsilon 0.78 receptor subunit gamma IFITM1 Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 0.76 NPTN Neuroplastin 0.76 GYPC Glycophorin-C 0.76 GPR160 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 160 0.76 HLA-DPB1 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DP 0.75 beta 1 chain BRI3 CT-BRI3 0.75 SLC38A2 Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 0.74 transporter 2 C5AR1 C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1 0.74 CDIPT CDP-diacylglycerol--inositol 3- 0.73 phosphatidyltransferase TNFSF13B Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily 0.73 member 13b, soluble form CSF3R Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 0.73 receptor HLA-DPA1 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DP 0.71 alpha 1 chain CD164 Sialomucin core protein 24 0.71 CD97 CD97 antigen subunit beta 0.7 C3AR1 C3a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 0.69 P2RY8 P2Y purinoceptor 8 0.68 BSG Basigin 0.68 APLP2 Amyloid-like protein 2 0.67 TFRC Transferrin receptor protein 1, serum form 0.67 MGAM Glucoamylase 0.67 GYPA Glycophorin-A 0.67 TMED10 Transmembrane emp24 domain-containing 0.66 protein 10 FCGRT IgG receptor FcRn large subunit p51 0.66 CKAP4 Cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 0.66 DYSF Dysferlin 0.66 SPPL2A Signal peptide peptidase-like 2A 0.65 LAMP2 Lysosome-associated membrane 0.65 glycoprotein 2 SLC7A5 Large neutral amino acids transporter small 0.65 subunit 1 TNFRSF1B Tumor necrosis factor-binding protein 2 0.64 TREM1 Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid 0.64 cells 1 GPR183 G-protein coupled receptor 183 0.63 SERINC3 Serine incorporator 3 0.63 CD58 Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 3 0.63 GYPB Glycophorin-B 0.63 RABAC1 Prenylated Rab acceptor protein 1 0.62 KCNH2 Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H 0.62 member 2 FPR1 fMet-Leu-Phe receptor 0.62 P2RY13 P2Y purinoceptor 13 0.62 CLEC5A C-type lectin domain family 5 member A 0.62 SLC7A7 Y + L amino acid transporter 1 0.61 MICB MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B 0.61 CD300LF CMRF35-like molecule 1 0.61 GJB6 Gap junction beta-6 protein 0.61 ATP1A1 Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase 0.6 subunit alpha-1 PTGER4 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype 0.6 CD8A T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 alpha chain 0.6 PTGER2 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2 subtype 0.6 GPR97 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 97 0.6 IMP3 Signal peptide peptidase-like 2A 0.59 LAMP1 Lysosome-associated membrane 0.59 glycoprotein 1 LILRB3 Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.59 subfamily B member 3 GPR109B Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 3 0.58 SAT2 Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 0.58 transporter 2 GPR65 Psychosine receptor 0.58 AMICA1 Junctional adhesion molecule-like 0.58 PAG1 Phosphoprotein associated with 0.58 englycosphingolipid-riched microdomains 1 ENPP4 Bis(5′-adenosyl)-triphosphatase ENPP4 0.57 SLC40A1 Solute carrier family 40 member 1 0.57 OLR1 Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1, 0.57 soluble form LRRC33 Negative regulator of reactive oxygen species 0.56 IL7R Interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha 0.56 LAIR1 Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like 0.56 receptor 1 ITM2C CT-BRI3 0.56 GPR84 G-protein coupled receptor 84 0.56 SLC12A7 Solute carrier family 12 member 7 0.55 PTAFR Platelet-activating factor receptor 0.55 CD33 Myeloid cell surface antigen CD33 0.55 SLC22A16 Solute carrier family 22 member 16 0.55 CCR7 C-C chemokine receptor type 7 0.54 TLR1 Toll-like receptor 1 0.54 TGOLN2 Trans-Golgi network integral membrane 0.54 protein 2 YIPF3 Protein YIPF3, 36 kDa form III 0.54 BST2 Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 0.54 MAGT1 Magnesium transporter protein 1 0.54 TMEM173 Stimulator of interferon genes protein 0.54 ERMAP Erythroid membrane-associated protein 0.54 CEACAM1 Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell 0.54 adhesion molecule 1 NIPA2 Magnesium transporter NIPA2 0.53 PECAM1 Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 0.53 CD1D Antigen-presenting glycoprotein CD1d 0.53 TMEM59 Transmembrane protein 59 0.53 NCKAP1L Nck-associated protein 1-like 0.53 FAS Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.53 member 6 IL6R Interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha 0.53 TNFRSF1A Tumor necrosis factor-binding protein 1 0.53 KEL Kell blood group glycoprotein 0.53 TMEM149 IGF-like family receptor 1 0.52 SLC3A2 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain 0.52 ORAI1 Calcium release-activated calcium channel 0.52 protein 1 XKR8 XK-related protein 8, processed form 0.52 C9orf46 Plasminogen receptor (KT) 0.52 TMEM127 Transmembrane protein 127 0.52 SLC2A1 Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose 0.52 transporter member 1 FCGR1B High affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc 0.52 receptor IB CXCR2 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2 0.52 IL4R Soluble interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha 0.51 HSD17B7 3-keto-steroid reductase 0.51 SEMA4D Semaphorin-4D 0.51 ZDHHC5 Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC5 0.51 ADRB2 Beta-2 adrenergic receptor 0.51 S1PR4 Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 4 0.51 PILRA Paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptor 0.51 alpha LTB4R Leukotriene B4 receptor 1 0.51 SORT1 Sortilin 0.51 SLCO4C1 Solute carrier organic anion transporter 0.51 family member 401 ANO10 Anoctamin-10 0.51 CLSTN1 CTF1-alpha 0.5 RHBDF2 Inactive rhomboid protein 2 0.5 CCR1 C-C chemokine receptor type 1 0.5 EPCAM Epithelial cell adhesion molecule 0.49 PNPLA2 Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 0.49 protein 2 SLC12A6 Solute carrier family 12 member 6 0.49 SLC30A1 Zinc transporter 1 0.49 GPR27 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 27 0.49 EPOR Erythropoietin receptor 0.48 CD79A B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated 0.48 protein alpha chain HLA-DQB1 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DQ 0.48 beta 1 chain HBP1 Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high 0.48 density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 ABCA7 ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 7 0.48 RAG1AP1 Sugar transporter SWEET1 0.48 CD47 Leukocyte surface antigen CD47 0.48 CXCL16 C-X-C motif chemokine 16 0.48 SLC14A1 Urea transporter 1 0.47 TGFBR2 TGF-beta receptor type-2 0.47 LRBA Lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like 0.47 anchor protein MFSD5 Molybdate-anion transporter 0.47 RELT Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.47 member 19L ATP2B4 Plasma membrane calcium-transporting 0.47 ATPase 4 FURIN Furin 0.47 GAPT Protein GAPT 0.47 NFAM1 NFAT activation molecule 1 0.47 ATP2B1 Plasma membrane calcium-transporting 0.46 ATPase 1 SLC26A11 Sodium-independent sulfate anion transporter 0.46 STX4 Syntaxin-4 0.46 NAT1 Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 0.46 transporter 3 STIM1 Stromal interaction molecule 1 0.46 SLC39A4 Zinc transporter ZIP4 0.46 ESYT2 Extended synaptotagmin-2 0.46 TM7SF3 Transmembrane 7 superfamily member 3 0.46 SEMA4A Semaphorin-4A 0.46 CYBB Cytochrome b-245 heavy chain 0.46 FCAR Immunoglobulin alpha Fc receptor 0.46 GABBR1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor 0.45 subunit 1 CD53 Leukocyte surface antigen CD53 0.45 SIGLEC10 Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 10 0.45 S1PR1 Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 0.45 BTN3A2 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A2 0.45 NOTCH2 Notch 2 intracellular domain 0.45 PIK3IP1 Phosphoinositide-3-kinase-interacting 0.45 protein 1 FAM168B Myelin-associated neurite-outgrowth 0.45 inhibitor LPAR2 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 0.45 ATP1B3 Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase 0.45 subunit beta-3 FLVCR1 Feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor- 0.45 related protein 1 SECTM1 Secreted and transmembrane protein 1 0.45 SLC38A5 Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 0.45 transporter 5 GPR18 N-arachidonyl glycine receptor 0.44 LMBR1L Protein LMBR1L 0.44 ABCC1 Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 0.44 SLC22A18 Solute carrier family 22 member 18 0.44 CSF1R Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 0.44 receptor EMR1 EGF-like module-containing mucin-like 0.44 hormone receptor-like 1 FPR2 N-formyl peptide receptor 2 0.44 KIT Mast/stem cell growth factor receptor Kit 0.44 MS4A1 B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 0.43 MICA MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A 0.43 GPR172A Solute carrier family 52, riboflavin 0.43 transporter, member 2 F11R Junctional adhesion molecule A 0.43 ADAM10 Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain- 0.43 containing protein 10 FAM38A Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel 0.43 component 1 CD68 Macrosialin 0.43 SLC26A6 Solute carrier family 26 member 6 0.43 MCOLN1 Mucolipin-1 0.43 SLCO3A1 Solute carrier organic anion transporter 0.43 family member 3A1 PPAP2B Lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase 3 0.43 ICAM4 Intercellular adhesion molecule 4 0.43 CXCR1 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 1 0.43 CD300A CMRF35-like molecule 8 0.43 RELL1 RELT-like protein 1 0.43 TAPBPL Tapasin-related protein 0.42 FCGR2C Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc 0.42 region receptor II-c SLC16A6 Monocarboxylate transporter 7 0.42 TMED1 Transmembrane emp24 domain-containing 0.42 protein 1 CD86 T-lymphocyte activation antigen CD86 0.42 SLC16A3 Monocarboxylate transporter 4 0.42 SLC2A5 Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose 0.42 transporter member 5 SLC29A1 Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 0.42 SLC16A14 Monocarboxylate transporter 14 0.42 P2RY2 P2Y purinoceptor 2 0.42 SUCNR1 Succinate receptor 1 0.42 BTN3A1 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A1 0.41 LAT2 Linker for activation of T-cells family 0.41 member 2 PLXND1 Plexin-D1 0.41 ECE1 Endothelin-converting enzyme 1 0.41 TGFBR1 TGF-beta receptor type-1 0.41 CCRL2 C-C chemokine receptor-like 2 0.41 TFR2 Transferrin receptor protein 2 0.41 SLC44A1 Choline transporter-like protein 1 0.41 ITGA6 Integrin alpha-6 light chain 0.41 PMP22 Peripheral myelin protein 22 0.41 LAX1 Lymphocyte transmembrane adapter 1 0.4 AMIGO2 Amphoterin-induced protein 2 0.4 SLC38A1 Sodium-coupled neutral amino acid 0.4 transporter 1 SLC41A1 Solute carrier family 41 member 1 0.4 C2orf89 Metalloprotease TIKI1 0.4 ABCC10 Multidrug resistance-associated protein 7 0.4 CLDN15 Claudin-15 0.4 SLC39A6 Zinc transporter ZIP6 0.4 SLC16A5 Monocarboxylate transporter 6 0.4 TTYH3 Protein tweety homolog 3 0.4 ATP7A Copper-transporting ATPase 1 0.4 COMT Catechol O-methyltransferase 0.4 SLC17A5 Sialin 0.4 TMIGD2 Transmembrane and immunoglobulin 0.4 domain-containing protein 2 CLEC7A C-type lectin domain family 7 member A 0.4 SLC31A1 High affinity copper uptake protein 1 0.4 LRRC4 Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 4 0.4 P2RY10 Putative P2Y purinoceptor 10 0.39 ATP10D Probable phospholipid-transporting ATPase 0.39 VD BTN3A3 Butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A3 0.39 LIME1 Lck-interacting transmembrane adapter 1 0.39 TNF Tumor necrosis factor, soluble form 0.39 PAQR8 Membrane progestin receptor beta 0.39 OXER1 Oxoeicosanoid receptor 1 0.39 TRAT1 T-cell receptor-associated transmembrane 0.39 adapter 1 GPBAR1 G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 0.39 SLC36A1 Proton-coupled amino acid transporter 1 0.39 PTPRE Receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase 0.39 epsilon PROM1 Prominin-1 0.39 CD74 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen 0.38 gamma chain CNST Consortin 0.38 TMEM49 Vacuole membrane protein 1 0.38 CLIC4 Chloride intracellular channel protein 4 0.38 NAALADL1 N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase- 0.38 like protein ANTXR2 Anthrax toxin receptor 2 0.38 FGFR1 Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 0.38 IL1RAP Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein 0.38 ATP1B2 Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase 0.38 subunit beta-2 ABCG2 ATP-binding cassette sub-family G 0.38 member 2 CLEC12A C-type lectin domain family 12 member A 0.38 HLA-DQA1 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DQ 0.37 alpha 1 chain B4GALT1 Processed beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 0.37 CNNM3 Metal transporter CNNM3 0.37 ATP1B1 Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase 0.37 subunit beta-1 SLC39A1 Zinc transporter ZIP1 0.37 ATRN Attractin 0.37 CYSLTR1 Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 0.37 TRPV2 Transient receptor potential cation channel 0.37 subfamily V member 2 SLC27A1 Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 1 0.37 GPR171 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 171 0.37 DAGLB Sn1-specific diacylglycerol lipase beta 0.37 KCNQ1 Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily 0.37 KQT member 1 FZD6 Frizzled-6 0.37 CSF2RA Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating 0.37 factor receptor subunit alpha PTH2R Parathyroid hormone 2 receptor 0.37 MARCH1 E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase MARCH1 0.36 BACE2 Beta-secretase 2 0.36 CD5 T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5 0.36 TMEM219 Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 0.36 receptor XPR1 Xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus 0.36 receptor 1 CD1C T-cell surface glycoprotein CD1c 0.36 CNNM2 Metal transporter CNNM2 0.36 TMEM88 Transmembrane protein 88 0.36 ICOS Inducible T-cell costimulator 0.36 KLRG1 Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G 0.36 member 1 LRP8 Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related 0.36 protein 8 F2R Proteinase-activated receptor 1 0.36 HM13 Minor histocompatibility antigen H13 0.36 EMR2 EGF-like module-containing mucin-like 0.36 hormone receptor-like 2 TREML1 Trem-like transcript 1 protein 0.36 C17orf60 Allergin-1 0.36 GPR146 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 146 0.36 SLAMF6 SLAM family member 6 0.35 SLC7A6 Y + L amino acid transporter 2 0.35 RELL2 RELT-like protein 2 0.35 LGR6 Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein 0.35 coupled receptor 6 PANX1 Pannexin-1 0.35 C18orf1 Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A 0.35 domain-containing protein 4 SLMAP Sarcolemmal membrane-associated protein 0.35 CCR5 C-C chemokine receptor type 5 0.35 MUC1 Mucin-1 subunit beta 0.35 EMR3 EGF-like module-containing mucin-like 0.35 hormone receptor-like 3 subunit beta COL23A1 Collagen alpha-1(XXI II) chain 0.35 OR2W3 Olfactory receptor 2W3 0.35 LNPEP Leucyl-cystinyl aminopeptidase, pregnancy 0.34 serum form PRR7 Proline-rich protein 7 0.34 NOTCH1 Notch 1 intracellular domain 0.34 RFT1 Solute carrier family 52, riboflavin 0.34 transporter, member 1 TNFRSF25 Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.34 member 25 ANO6 Anoctamin-6 0.34 AQP3 Aquaporin-3 0.34 ADAM9 Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain- 0.34 containing protein 9 INSR Insulin receptor subunit beta 0.34 FZD5 Frizzled-5 0.34 ERG Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily 0.34 H member 2 MME Neprilysin 0.34 FCGR2B Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc 0.33 region receptor II-b LSR Lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor 0.33 DDR1 Epithelial discoidin domain-containing 0.33 receptor 1 CNR2 Cannabinoid receptor 2 0.33 ATR Anthrax toxin receptor 1 0.33 P2RY14 P2Y purinoceptor 14 0.33 VEZT Vezatin 0.33 ALG10B Putative Dol-P-Glc:Glc(2)Man(9)GlcNAc(2)- 0.33 PP-Dol alpha-1,2-glucosyltransferase PAQR7 Membrane progestin receptor alpha 0.33 FLT3LG Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand 0.33 CD40LG CD40 ligand, soluble form 0.33 FCGR2A Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc 0.33 region receptor II-a CLDN12 Claudin-12 0.33 GP6 Platelet glycoprotein VI 0.33 EPHB4 Ephrin type-B receptor 4 0.33 SEMA4C Semaphorin-4C 0.33 CD300C CMRF35-like molecule 6 0.33 PEAR1 Platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 0.33 FFAR2 Free fatty acid receptor 2 0.33 SLC2A6 Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose 0.32 transporter member 6 TMEM150A Transmembrane protein 150A 0.32 ANO8 Anoctamin-8 0.32 CD200R1 Cell surface glycoprotein CD200 receptor 1 0.32 FCER1A High affinity immunoglobulin epsilon 0.32 receptor subunit alpha BEST1 Bestrophin-1 0.32 CLDN5 Claudin-5 0.32 SLC47A1 Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 0.32 SLC5A10 Sodium/glucose cotransporter 5 0.32 CD40 Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.31 member 5 ANO9 Anoctamin-9 0.31 CLEC2D C-type lectin domain family 2 member D 0.31 VIPR1 Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor 1 0.31 SLC16A7 Monocarboxylate transporter 2 0.31 UTS2R Urotensin-2 receptor 0.31 CLSTN3 Calsyntenin-3 0.31 GPR35 G-protein coupled receptor 35 0.31 SYT15 Synaptotagmin-15 0.31 FAM57A Protein FAM57A 0.31 CD8B T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 beta chain 0.31 IL17RC Interleukin-17 receptor C 0.31 GLDN Gliomedin 0.31 FZD2 Frizzled-2 0.31 KCNA3 Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A 0.3 member 3 MGA Glucoamylase 0.3 GPR1 G-protein coupled receptor 1 0.3 IL6ST Interleukin-6 receptor subunit beta 0.3 PCDHGB5 Protocadherin gamma-B5 0.3 OR1I1 Olfactory receptor 1I1 0.3 PTH1R Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone- 0.3 related peptide receptor NLGN2 Neuroligin-2 0.3 MMP24 Processed matrix metalloproteinase-24 0.3 CDH22 Cadherin-22 0.3 TNFRSF8 Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.3 member 8 CHRNG Acetylcholine receptor subunit gamma 0.3 PSEN1 Presenilin-1 CTF12 0.3 GPR114 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 114 0.3 PLXNB2 Plexin-B2 0.3 CHRNA2 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit 0.3 alpha-2 GPR34 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 34 0.3 LPAR6 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 0.3 ATP8A1 Probable phospholipid-transporting ATPase 0.3 IA FZD1 Frizzled-1 0.3 CCR2 C-C chemokine receptor type 2 0.3 P2RY1 P2Y purinoceptor 1 0.3 SLC16A9 Monocarboxylate transporter 9 0.3 C20orf103 Lysosome-associated membrane 0.3 glycoprotein 5 ADORA2B Adenosine receptor A2b 0.3 CLEC12B C-type lectin domain family 12 member B 0.3 FCRL3 Fc receptor-like protein 3 0.29 CD180 CD180 antigen 0.29 TIGIT T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM 0.29 domains PPAP2A Lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase 1 0.29 ATP11C Probable phospholipid-transporting ATPase 0.29 IG TNFRSF17 Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.29 member 17 TNFSF12 Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily 0.29 member 12, secreted form TBXA2R Thromboxane A2 receptor 0.29 OR3A3 Olfactory receptor 3A3 0.29 GPR153 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 153 0.29 ATP11A Probable phospholipid-transporting ATPase 0.29 IH LRFN1 Leucine-rich repeat and fibronectin type III 0.29 domain-containing protein 1 OR51B2 Olfactory receptor 51B2 0.29 KCNS1 Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily S 0.29 member 1 OR12D2 Olfactory receptor 12D2 0.29 GRM4 Metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 0.29 NEO1 Neogenin 0.29 DRD5 D(1B) dopamine receptor 0.29 PLXDC1 Plexin domain-containing protein 1 0.29 GPR157 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 157 0.29 CD300LB CMRF35-like molecule 7 0.29 MARVELD1 MARVEL domain-containing protein 1 0.29 MFAP3 Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 3 0.29 CHRNB1 Acetylcholine receptor subunit beta 0.29 PVRL2 Poliovirus receptor-related protein 2 0.29 F2RL1 Proteinase-activated receptor 2, alternate 0.29 cleaved 2 GPR124 G-protein coupled receptor 124 0.29 BACE1 Beta-secretase 1 0.29 C6orf105 Androgen-dependent TFPI-regulating protein 0.28 CXCR3 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 3 0.28 IGSF8 Immunoglobulin superfamily member 8 0.28 ATP8B1 Probable phospholipid-transporting 0.28 ATPase IC TP53I13 Tumor protein p53-inducible protein 13 0.28 MC1R Melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor 0.28 CD84 SLAM family member 5 0.28 CALHM1 Calcium homeostasis modulator protein 1 0.28 CHRNA6 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit 0.28 alpha-6 CDH10 Cadherin-10 0.28 SLC16A1 Monocarboxylate transporter 1 0.28 GPRC5D G-protein coupled receptor family C group 5 0.28 member D AGER Advanced glycosylation end product-specific 0.28 receptor FASLG FasL intracellular domain 0.28 GPR56 GPR56 C-terminal fragment 0.28 SIGLEC1 Sialoadhesin 0.28 KIR2DL5A Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.28 2DL5A PLB1 Lysophospholipase 0.28 CD200 OX-2 membrane glycoprotein 0.27 ADAM28 Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain- 0.27 containing protein 28 SIT1 Sodium- and chloride-dependent transporter 0.27 XTRP3 SLC23A2 Solute carrier family 23 member 2 0.27 COR10 C-C chemokine receptor type 10 0.27 PRR4 Processed poliovirus receptor-related 0.27 protein 4 GJD2 Gap junction delta-2 protein 0.27 SLC2A8 Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose 0.27 transporter member 8 CD209 CD209 antigen 0.27 CD274 Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 0.27 PROM2 Prominin-2 0.27 ATP6V0A2 V-type proton ATPase 116 kDa subunit a 0.27 isoform 2 MPZ Myelin protein PO 0.27 TNFRSF18 Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 0.27 member 18 MFSD2A Major facilitator superfamily domain- 0.27 containing protein 2A HEG1 Protein HEG homolog 1 0.27 OXTR Oxytocin receptor 0.27 CD99L2 CD99 antigen-like protein 2 0.27 LILRB4 Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.27 subfamily B member 4 SMAGP Small cell adhesion glycoprotein 0.27 OR51I2 Olfactory receptor 51I2 0.27 LY6G6D Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus protein 0.27 G6f KCNQ4 Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily 0.27 KQT member 4 HRH2 Histamine H2 receptor 0.27 SLC39A2 Zinc transporter ZIP2 0.27 CLDN10 Claudin-10 0.27 GPM6B Neuronal membrane glycoprotein M6-b 0.27 STEAP4 Metalloreductase STEAP4 0.27 APOLD1 Apolipoprotein L domain-containing 0.27 protein 1 S1PR3 Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 3 0.27 SGMS2 Phosphatidylcholine:ceramide 0.27 cholinephosphotransferase 2 KIR2DS5 Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.27 2DS5 STAR Heat-stable enterotoxin receptor 0.27 NIPA1 Magnesium transporter NIPA1 0.26 CNNM4 Metal transporter CNNM4 0.26 SLAMF1 Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule 0.26 KIAA1919 Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 0.26 TLR6 Toll-like receptor 6 0.26 CRB3 Protein crumbs homolog 3 0.26 SLC12A9 Solute carrier family 12 member 9 0.26 GPR68 Ovarian cancer G-protein coupled receptor 1 0.26 OR51J1 Olfactory receptor 51J1 0.26 TREML2 Trem-like transcript 2 protein 0.26 GPR176 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 176 0.26 FLVCR2 Feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor- 0.26 related protein 2 LPAR1 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 0.26 PANX2 Pannexin-2 0.26 SLC6A6 Sodium- and chloride-dependent taurine 0.26 transporter PROKR2 Prokineticin receptor 2 0.26 CLDN9 Claudin-9 0.26 MYOF Myoferlin 0.26 LY6G6F Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus protein 0.26 G6f ESAM Endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule 0.26 NCR3 Natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3 0.25 HLA-DQB2 HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DQ 0.25 beta 2 chain SLC4A5 Electrogenic sodium bicarbonate 0.25 cotransporter 4 P2RY4 P2Y purinoceptor 4 0.25 ABCB1 Multidrug resistance protein 1 0.25 SLC9A1 Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 1 0.25 CELSR2 Cadherin EGF LAG seven-pass G-type 0.25 receptor 2 SYT8 Synaptotagmin-8 0.25 PCDHA9 Protocadherin alpha-9 0.25 TMEM204 Transmembrane protein 204 0.25 PTPRJ Receptor-type tyrosine-protein 0.25 phosphatase eta GRPR Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor 0.25 SEMA6B Semaphorin-6B 0.25 CLCN5 H(+)/Cl(−) exchange transporter 5 0.25 GLRA2 Glycine receptor subunit alpha-2 0.25 PLVAP Plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein 0.25 ACVR1B Activin receptor type-1B 0.25 JAM3 Junctional adhesion molecule C 0.25 LDLRAD33 Low-density lipoprotein receptor class A 0.25 domain-containing protein XG Glycoprotein Xg 0.25 SLC2A11 Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose 0.24 transporter member 11 PCDH9 Protocadherin-9 0.24 VAMP5 Vesicle-associated membrane protein 5 0.24 CDHR2 Cadherin-related family member 2 0.24 DRD2 D(2) dopamine receptor 0.24 LRIG2 Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin- 0.24 like domains protein 2 RAMP3 Receptor activity-modifying protein 3 0.24 SLC39A14 Zinc transporter ZIP14 0.24 STRA6 Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 protein 0.24 homolog ADRA2C Alpha-2C adrenergic receptor 0.24 CLDN19 Claudin-19 0.24 CX3CR1 CX3C chemokine receptor 1 0.24 CD79B B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated 0.24 protein beta chain KIR2DL2 Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.24 2DL2 CXCR7 Atypical chemokine receptor 3 0.24 OR5L2 Olfactory receptor 5L2 0.24 LRRC52 Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 52 0.24 JPH1 Junctophilin-1 0.24 ADORA1 Adenosine receptor A1 0.24 GPRC5C G-protein coupled receptor family C group 5 0.24 member C RET Extracellular cell-membrane anchored RET 0.24 cadherin 120 kDa fragment PVR Poliovirus receptor 0.24 ITGB3 Integrin beta-3 0.24 PTGIR Prostacyclin receptor 0.24 LPHN1 Latrophilin-1 0.24 OR10J1 Olfactory receptor 10J1 0.24 MFAP3L Microfibrillar-associated protein 3-like 0.24 GPNMB Transmembrane glycoprotein NMB 0.24 CELSR3 Cadherin EGF LAG seven-pass G-type 0.23 receptor 3 CCR6 C-C chemokine receptor-like 2 0.23 DMPK Myotonin-protein kinase 0.23 UPK3B Uroplakin-3b 0.23 OR1D2 Olfactory receptor 1D2 0.23 OR7D2 Olfactory receptor 7D2 0.23 ITGB1 Integrin beta-1 0.23 HRH3 Histamine H3 receptor 0.23 GRIN2C Glutamate receptor ionotropic, NMDA 2C 0.23 KIR3DL1 Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.23 3DL1 EPHB2 Ephrin type-B receptor 2 0.23 OR2S2 Olfactory receptor 2S2 0.23 KIR2DL4 Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.23 2DL4 CNNM1 Metal transporter CNNM1 0.23 MARVELD2 MARVEL domain-containing protein 2 0.23 CXCR6 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 6 0.23 NOV Plexin-A1 0.23 ABCB6 ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 0.23 6, mitochondrial PVRL1 Poliovirus receptor-related protein 1 0.23 SLC46A2 Thymic stromal cotransporter homolog 0.23 ADORA3 Adenosine receptor A3 0.23 GPR125 Probable G-protein coupled receptor 125 0.23 CD22 B-cell receptor CD22 0.22 FZD3 Frizzled-3 0.22 LPAR5 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 0.22 TMEM8B Transmembrane protein 8B 0.22 PLXNA1 Plexin-A1 0.22 NPFFR1 Neuropeptide FF receptor 1 0.22 SEZ6L2 Seizure 6-like protein 2 0.22 LRRTM2 Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 0.22 protein 2 SLC16A11 Monocarboxylate transporter 11 0.22 GRIK5 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, kainate 5 0.22 SYT6 Synaptotagmin-6 0.22 TMEM102 Transmembrane protein 102 0.22 OR8B8 Olfactory receptor 8B8 0.22 GJB1 Gap junction beta-1 protein 0.22 GRM6 Metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 0.22 C20orf54 Solute carrier family 52, riboflavin 0.22 transporter, member 3 OR52D1 Olfactory receptor 52D1 0.22 SLC46A1 Proton-coupled folate transporter 0.22 DSC2 Desmocollin-2 0.22 FAT1 Protocadherin Fat 1, nuclear form 0.22 GCGR Glucagon receptor 0.22 POP1 Blood vessel epicardial substance 0.22 CXADR Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor 0.22 ABCC6 Multidrug resistance-associated protein 6 0.22 GJA1 Gap junction alpha-1 protein 0.22 CXCR5 C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 0.21 ABCB4 Multidrug resistance protein 3 0.21 CTLA4 Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein 4 0.21 TRPV1 Transient receptor potential cation channel 0.21 subfamily V member 1 MRGPRX4 Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor 0.21 member X4 SIGLEC6 Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 6 0.21 IL9R Interleukin-9 receptor 0.21 CHRNB2 Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit 0.21 beta-2 PDGFRB Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta 0.21 TMPRSS11D Transmembrane protease serine 11D 0.21 catalytic chain CDH24 Cadherin-24 0.21 PRRT2 Proline-rich transmembrane protein 2 0.21 GALR3 Galanin receptor type 3 0.21 OR51I1 Olfactory receptor 51I1 0.21 PTPRU Receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase U 0.21 LPAR4 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 4 0.21 ZNRF3 E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ZNRF3 0.21 P2RY6 P2Y purinoceptor 6 0.21 AGTR1 Type-1 angiotensin II receptor 0.21 GPR182 G-protein coupled receptor 182 0.21 PODXL Podocalyxin 0.21 BDKRB1 B1 bradykinin receptor 0.21 DCHS1 Protocadherin-16 0.21 GRIN3B Glutamate receptor ionotropic, NMDA 3B 0.21 PTGDR Prostaglandin D2 receptor 0.21 PVRL4 Processed poliovirus receptor-related 0.21 protein 4 GPR77 C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 2 0.21 PARM1 Prostate androgen-regulated mucin-like 0.21 protein 1 OR10H1 Olfactory receptor 10H1 0.21 OR10D3 Putative olfactory receptor 10D3 0.21 TNFSF14 Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily 0.21 member 14, soluble form FCRL5 Fc receptor-like protein 5 0.2 RNF43 E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF43 0.2 AMIGO1 Amphoterin-induced protein 1 0.2 OR1F1 Olfactory receptor 1F1 0.2 SLCO4A1 Solute carrier organic anion transporter 0.2 family member 4A1 TTYH2 Protein tweety homolog 2 0.2 GABRR2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit 0.2 rho-2 GJD3 Gap junction delta-3 protein 0.2 GRID1 Glutamate receptor ionotropic, delta-1 0.2 CLDN1 Claudin-1 0.2 SLC6A13 Sodium- and chloride-dependent GABA 0.2 transporter 2 SLC30A8 Zinc transporter 8 0.2 KIR2DL3 Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 0.2 2DL3 GPR78 G-protein coupled receptor 78 0.2 UPK2 Uroplakin-2 0.2 CLDN14 Claudin-14 0.2 EDA Ectodysplasin-A, secreted form 0.2 PTGER1 Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 subtype 0.2 TRPV5 Transient receptor potential cation channel 0.2 subfamily V member 5 PRIMA1 Proline-rich membrane anchor 1 0.2 GJA9 Gap junction alpha-9 protein 0.2 SLC7A3 Cationic amino acid transporter 3 0.2 SSTR2 Somatostatin receptor type 2 0.2 CD1A T-cell surface glycoprotein CD1a 0.2 SLC7A8 Large neutral amino acids transporter small 0.2 subunit 2 CLIC6 Chloride intracellular channel protein 6 0.2 EPHA8 Ephrin type-A receptor 8 0.2 SLC20A2 Sodium-dependent transporter 2 0.2 SCNN1A Amiloride-sensitive sodium channel subunit 0.2 alpha OR51B6 Olfactory receptor 51B6 0.2 OR14J1 Olfactory receptor 14J1 0.2 OR10C1 Olfactory receptor 10C1 0.2 OPRL1 Nociceptin receptor 0.2 CCR9 C-C chemokine receptor type 9 0.2 JPH4 Junctophilin-4 0.2 HTR1E 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor lE 0.2 MC3R Melanocortin receptor 3 0.2 CD163L1 Scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 0.2 protein M160 SEZ6 Seizure protein 6 homolog 0.2 PRSS8 Prostasin heavy chain 0.2 CDH26 Cadherin-like protein 26 0.2 ODZ1 Teneurin C-terminal-associated peptide 0.2 FGFR3 Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 0.2

Example 1—Knock Out (KO) on CD38 Gene & Expression of Anti-CD38 CAR

Presentation of the CD38 Target—Cyclic ADP Ribose Hydrolase

CD38 is a glycoprotein found on the surface of many immune cells, including multiple myeloma (MM) cells that express a high level of CD38 in a large majority of patients. CD38 is a validated target for MM as many studies have shown efficient killing of CD38+MM cells from patients and CD38+MM cell lines using anti-CD38 mAbs by CDC and ADCC (Ellis, J. H. K. et al, Journal of Immunology, 1995, 155 (2), 925-937). Daratumumab is a therapeutic human CD38 monoclonal antibody which induces killing of multiple myeloma and other hematological tumors (De Weers, M. et al, J Immunol 2011 186:1840-1848). In some studies, it has been shown that CD38 is also highly expressed by activated T cells (Sandoval-Montes C J et al, 2005, Leukoc Biol. 77(4):513-21).

Expression of CD38 by T-Cells

The CD38 expression by T cells after CD3/CD28 beads and IL-2 stimulation was analyzed by FACS every 3-4 days during 17 days. It was observed that more than 90% T cells express between day 6 and day 17 after activation (FIG. 10B).

Thus, in order to avoid killing of activated T cells by anti-CD38 CAR+ T cells CD38 surface expression in T cells needs to be prevented. This may be accomplished by the inactivation of the CD38 gene using TALE-nucleases. TALEN is a trademark owned by the applicant (Cellectis, 8 rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013 PARIS) designating customized format of TAL nucleases.

Strategy for the CD38 Knock-Out (KO)

Heterodimeric TALE-nuclease targeting two 17-pb long sequences separated by a 13-pb spacer within the CD38 gene were designed and produced. Each half target is recognized by repeats of the half TALE-nucleases listed in the following Table 15 and FIG. 10A.

The repeats sequence of the left TALEN for the CD38ex1_T2 target was NN-NI-NN-NN-NG-NN-NN-NN-NG-NG-NN-NN-HD-NN-NI-NG, and the one for the right TALEN was NN-NG-HD-HD-HD-HD-NN-HD-NI-NN-NG-NN-HD-HD-HD-NG.

TABLE 15 Sequences of the tested CD38 target and TALENs for inactivation of the CD38 antigen TALEN Name L/R SEQ ID # Nucleic acid sequence or polypeptide sequence CD38 N/A 1 TGAGGTGGGTTGGCGACtaaggcgcaccggTGGGCACTGCGGGGACA target CD38ex L 2 MGDPKKKRKVIDYPYDVPDYAIDIADLRTLGYSQQQQEKIKPKVRSTV 1_T2-L1 AQHHEALVGHGFTHAHIVALSQHPAALGTVAVKYQDMIAALPEATHE TALEN AIVGVGKQWSGARALEALLTVAGELRGPPLQLDTGQLLKIAKRGGVTA VEAVHAWRNALTGAPLNLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVL CQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAI ASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALET VQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHG LTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNN GGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLL PVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQ QVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGK QALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVL CQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVV AIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALET VQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALESIVAQLSRPDPALAA LTNDHLVALACLGGRPALDAVKKGLGDPISRSQLVKSELEEKKSELRHK LKYVPHEYIELIEIARNSTQDRILEMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLGGSRKP DGAIYTVGSPIDYGVIVDTKAYSGGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQTRN KHINPNEWWKVYPSSVTEFKFLFVSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNCNG AVLSVEELLIGGEMIKAGTLTLEEVRRKFNNGEINFAAD CD38ex R 3 MGDPKKKRKVIDKETAAAKFERQHMDSIDIADLRTLGYSQQQQEKIKP 1_T2-R1 KVRSTVAQHHEALVGHGFTHAHIVALSQHPAALGTVAVKYQDMIAAL TALEN PEATHEAIVGVGKQWSGARALEALLTVAGELRGPPLQLDTGQLLKIAK RGGVTAVEAVHAWRNALTGAPLNLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETV QRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGL TPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDG GKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLP VLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQV VAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQAL ETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAH GLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASN GGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQR LLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPE QVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQ ALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALESIVAQLSRPDP ALAALTNDHLVALACLGGRPALDAVKKGLGDPISRSQLVKSELEEKKSE LRHKLKYVPHEYIELIEIARNSTQDRILEMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLGG SRKPDGAIYTVGSPIDYGVIVDTKAYSGGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQ TRNKHINPNEWWKVYPSSVTEFKFLFVSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNC NGAVLSVEELLIGGEMIKAGTLTLEEVRRKFNNGEINFAAD

Each TALE-nuclease construct was subcloned using restriction enzyme digestion in a mammalian expression vector under the control of the T7 promoter. mRNA encoding TALE-nuclease cleaving CD38 were synthesized from plasmids carrying the coding sequence downstream from the T7 promoter.

Purified T cells activated during 72 hours with anti CD3/CD28 coated beads and recombinant IL-2 were transfected by electroporation (Cytopulse) with each of the 2 mRNAs (10 μg each) encoding both half CD38ex1_T2 TALE-nucleases. To investigate, the CD38 KO, the percentage of CD38 negative T cells was assessed by flow cytometry at day 3, 6, 10 and 13 after TALEN mRNA transfection. It was observed that 15% of transfected T cells were CD38 deficient (FIG. 10 C) and this deficiency was stable during 13 days after transfection.

In addition two alternative TALE-nucleases targeting the CD38 gene have been designed. Each half target is recognized by repeats of the half TALE-nucleases listed in the following Table 16 and FIG. 10A. The repeats sequence of the left TALEN for the CD38ex1_T4 target was NG-NN-HD-NN-NI-NN-NG-NG-HD-NI-NN-HD-HD-HD-NN-NN-NG, and the one for the right TALEN was NG-NN-HD-NG-NN-HD-HD-NN-NN-HD-NG-HD-NG-HD-NG-NI. The repeats sequence of the left TALEN for the CD38ex1_T5 target was NG-NN-NI-NG-HD-HD-NG-HD-NN-NG-HD-NN-NG-NN-NN-NG, and the one for the right TALEN was HD-NN-NI-NN-NN-NG-NN-NN-HD-NN-HD-HD-NI-NN-HD-NI.

TABLE 16 Sequences of two other CD38 targets and the corresponding TALENs for their inactivation TALEN Name L/R SEQ ID # Nucleic acid sequence or repeats sequence CD38ex N/A 4 TGCGAGTTCAGCCCGGtgtccggggacaaacccTGCTGCCGGCTCTCTA 1_T4 target CD38ex L 5 MGDPKKKRKVIDYPYDVPDYAIDIADLRTLGYSQQQQEKIKPKVRSTVA 1_T4-L QHHEALVGHGFTHAHIVALSQHPAALGTVAVKYQDMIAALPEATHEA TALEN IVGVGKQWSGARALEALLTVAGELRGPPLQLDTGQLLKIAKRGGVTAV EAVHAWRNALTGAPLNLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQ AHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIA SHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTP QQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGK QALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLC QAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAI ASNIGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETV QRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGL TPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDG GKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQALLPV LCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVV AIASNGGGRPALESIVAQLSRPDPALAALTNDHLVALACLGGRPALDAV KKGLGDPISRSQLVKSELEEKKSELRHKLKYVPHEYIELIEIARNSTQDRIL EMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLGGSRKPDGAIYTVGSPIDYGVIVDTKAYS GGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQTRNKHINPNEWWKVYPSSVTEFKFLF VSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNCNGAVLSVEELLIGGEMIKAGTLTLEEV RRKFNNGEINFAAD CD38ex R 6 MGDPKKKRKVIDKETAAAKFERQHMDSIDIADLRTLGYSQQQQEKIKP 1_T4-R KVRSTVAQHHEALVGHGFTHAHIVALSQHPAALGTVAVKYQDMIAAL TALEN PEATHEAIVGVGKQWSGARALEALLTVAGELRGPPLQLDTGQLLKIAK RGGVTAVEAVHAWRNALTGAPLNLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTP EQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNGGGK QALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLC QAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAI ASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETV QRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLT PQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGG KQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVL CQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAI ASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNGGGKQALETV QRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNIGGRPALESIVAQLSRPDPALAALT NDHLVALACLGGRPALDAVKKG LGDPISRSQLVKSELEEKKSELRHKLKY VPHEYIELIEIARNSTQDRILEMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLGGSRKPDG AIYTVGSPIDYGVIVDTKAYSGGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQTRNKHI NPNEWWKVYPSSVTEFKFLFVSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNCNGAVLS VEELLIGGEMIKAGTLTLEEVRRKFNNGEINFAAD CD38ex N/A 7 TGATCCTCGTCGTGGTgctcgcggtggtcgtccCGAGGTGGCGCCAGCA 1_T5 target CD38ex L 8 MGDPKKKRKVIDYPYDVPDYAIDIADLRTLGYSQQQQEKIKPKVRSTVA 1_T5-L QHHEALVGHGFTHAHIVALSQHPAALGTVAVKYQDMIAALPEATHEA TALEN IVGVGKQWSGARALEALLTVAGELRGPPLQLDTGQLLKIAKRGGVTAV EAVHAWRNALTGAPLNLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQ AHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIA SNIGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTP QQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGK QALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLC QAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAI ASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETV QRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGL TPEQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNG GKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQALLPV LCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALESIVAQLSRPDPALAALTNDHLV ALACLGGRPALDAVKKGLGDPISRSQLVKSELEEKKSELRHKLKYVPHEY IELIEIARNSTQDRILEMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLGGSRKPDGAIYTVG SPIDYGVIVDTKAYSGGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQTRNKHINPNEW WKVYPSSVTEFKFLFVSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNCNGAVLSVEELLI GGEMIKAGTLTLEEVRRKFNNGEINFAAD CD38ex R 9 MGDPKKKRKVIDKETAAAKFERQHMDSIDIADLRTLGYSQQQQEKIKP 1_T5-R KVRSTVAQHHEALVGHGFTHAHIVALSQHPAALGTVAVKYQDMIAAL TALEN PEATHEAIVGVGKQWSGARALEALLTVAGELRGPPLQLDTGQLLKIAK RGGVTAVEAVHAWRNALTGAPLNLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTP EQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQ ALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQ AHGLTPEQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIAS NNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQR LLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQ QVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQ ALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQ AHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIAS NNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQR LLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNIGGRPALESIVAQLSRPDPALAALTND HLVALACLGGRPALDAVKKGLGDPISRSQLVKSELEEKKSELRHKLKYVP HEYIELIEIARNSTQDRILEMKVMEFFMKVYGYRGKHLGGSRKPDGAIY TVGSPIDYGVIVDTKAYSGGYNLPIGQADEMQRYVEENQTRNKHINPN EWWKVYPSSVTEFKFLFVSGHFKGNYKAQLTRLNHITNCNGAVLSVEE LLIGGEMIKAGTLTLEEVRRKFNNGEINFAAD

Strategy for the Expression of the CAR Anti-CD38

Structure and Composition of CARs Anti-CD38

In Table 17 are presented VH and VL chain of scFv anti-CD38. SEQ ID NO:10-11 correspond to the humanized anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab (Genmab) and SEQ ID NO: 12-13 to the MOR202 (or MOR03087) such as described in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,263,746B patent.

SEQ ID NO:14-20 and SEQ ID NO:21-26 correspond to the CDR sequence for respectively the VH chain (HCDR) and the VL chain (LCDR) such as described in the WO 2008/047242 application.

TABLE 17 Sequences of VH and VL chains of the scFv anti-CD38 antibodies daratumumab, MOR202 and of specific CDRs for VH and VL chains. VH or VL Name chain SEQ ID # Polypeptide or nucleic acid sequence Daratumumab VH 10 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGFTFNSFAMSWVRQAPGK GLEWVSAISGSGGGTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR AEDTAVYFCAKDKILWFGEPVFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSV FPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKR VEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA LHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK VL 11 EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQKPGQAP RLLIYDASNRATGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPPTFGQGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCL LNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSST LTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC MOR202 (or VH 12 QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYYMNWVRQAPG MOR03087) KGLEWVSGISGDPSNTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSL RAEDTAVYYCARDLPLVYTGFAYWGQGTLVTVSS VL 13 DIELTQPPSVSVAPGQTARISCSGDNLRHYYVYWYQQKPGQAP VLVIYGDSKRPSGIPERFSGSNSGNTATLTISGTQAEDEADYYCQ TYTGGASLVFGGGTKLTVLGQ HCDR1-1 VH 14 GFTFSSYYMN HCDR1-2 VH 15 SYYMN HCDR2 VH 16 GISGDPSNTYYADSVKG HCDR3 VH 17 DLPLVYTGFAY HCDR4 VH 18 DYWMQ HCDR5 VH 19 TIYPGDGDTGYAQKFK HCDR6 VH 20 GDYYGSNSLDY LCDR1 VL 21 SGDNLRHYYVY LCDR2 VL 22 GDSKRPS LCDR3 VL 23 QTYTGGASL LCDR4 VL 24 KASQDVSTVVA LCDR5 VL 25 SASYRYI LCDR6 VL 26 QQHSPPYT

For the daratumumbab scFv 3 different CARs constructs (GMB005-V1&V2&V3) have been designed such as presented in FIG. 11A and their sequence displayed in the following Table 18. All three constructs share the same components, in terms of signal peptide (CD8a), GS linker (between the scFv VH and VL chains), transmembrane domain (TM), 4-1BB costimulatory domain, and CD3ζ activation domain (sequences displayed in the following Table 18). Their differences come from the choice of the hinge (Table 18):

V1: FcRIIa hinge

-   -   V2: CD8a hinge     -   V3: IgG1 hinge

TABLE 18 Polypeptide sequence of the 3 different structures of scFv daratumumab-based anti-CD38 CARs and of the individual components used Name of SEQ CAR ID # CD8α-Signal 27 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARP peptide (SP) GS linker 28 GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS FCRIIα hinge 29 GLAVSTISSFFPPGYQ CD8α hinge 30 TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLL LSLVITLYC IgG1 hinge 31 EPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK TM domain 32 IYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYC 4-1 BB co- 33 KRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCEL stimulatory domain CD3ζ 34 RVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQE activation GLYN ELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR domain GMB005-V1 35 PLALLLHAARPEVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGFTFNSFAMSWVRQAPG CAR KGLEWVSAISGSGGGTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYF CAKDKILWFGEPVFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEIVLTQSP ATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYDASNRATGIPARFS GSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPPTFGQGTKVEIKGLAVSTISSFF PPGYQIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEED GCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDK RRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHD GLYQGLSTATKDTYDA GMB005-V2 36 PLALLLHAARPEVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGFTFNSFAMSWVRQAPG CAR KGLEWVSAISGSGGGTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYF CAKDKILWFGEPVFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEIVLTQSP ATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYDASNRATGIPARFS GSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPPTFGQGTKVEIKTTTPAPRPPT PAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVI TLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSA DAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLY NELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDA GMB005-V3 37 PLALLLHAARPEVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGFTFNSFAMSWVRQAPG CAR KGLEWVSAISGSGGGTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYF CAKDKILWFGEPVFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEIVLTQSP ATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYDASNRATGIPARFS GSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPPTFGQGTKVEIKEPKSPDKTHT CPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYV DGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGKIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQ EEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDV LDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKG HDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDA

Screening

CD38 TALENs will be transfected at day 4 after activation. 3 days after the CD38 deficient cells will be sorted by negative selection and transfected 3 days after with anti-CD38 CAR mRNAs. The CAR molecules generated will then be screened for expression and degranulation activity toward target cell lines expression CD38 upon CAR mRNA transient transfection. Target cell lines expressing different expression levels of CD38 (FIG. 11B) will be used for activity testing:

-   -   U266 CD38+ and U266 CD38− obtained by magnetic separation using         anti-CD38 microbeads     -   L363, a multiple myeloma cell line expressing intermediate         levels of CD38     -   Daudi, a cell line derived from Burkitt lymphoma expressing high         levels of CD38     -   K562, a cell line CD38 negative cell line derived from chronic         myelogenous leukemia.

This first screening will be followed by a second screening step in which a number of selected candidates will be tested for their ability to induce degranulation, IFNγ release and specific cytotoxic activity towards the selected target cell lines. Candidate selection will then be narrowed and some candidates selected for lentivirus vector production and CAR activity will be assessed in CD38 KO T-cells stably expressing the CARs.

Example 2 Activity of Anti-CS1 CAR in the Context of CS1 KO

Presentation of CS1 Target

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by the aberrant clonal expansion of plasma cells (PCs) within the bone marrow, with an estimated 21,700 new cases and 10,710 deaths from MM identified in the United States in 2012 (Siegel R, et al. Cancer J Clin 2012 62:10-29). In 2013, it has been estimated that 22,350 individuals will be newly diagnosed with MM in the United States and 10,710 people will die from it, accounting for 20% of the deaths from all hematologic malignancies. Despite the use of proteasome inhibitors and immune-modulating drugs, which have improved overall survival (Palumbo A, et al. Leukemia 2009 23:449-456), MM remains an incurable malignancy (Podar K, et al. Leukemia 2009 23:10-24) for which novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed.

The cell surface glycoprotein CS1 (also referred in the literature as SLAMF7, CD319 or CRACC—NCBI Reference Sequence: NP_067004.3) is highly and ubiquitously expressed on the surface of myeloma cells (Hsi E D, et al. Clin Cancer Res 2008 14:2775-84). CS1 is expressed at very low levels in the majority of immune effector cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, some subsets of T cells, and normal B cells, and is almost undetectable on myeloid cells (Hsi E D, et al. Clin Cancer Res 2008 14:2775-84). Notably, CS1 is negligibly expressed in human hematopoietic stem cells (Hsi E D, et al. Clin Cancer Res 2008 14:2775-84), which can be used for stem cell transplantation to treat hematologic malignancies, including MM. The functions of CS1 in MM remain incompletely understood, and it has been documented that CS1 may play a role in myeloma cell adhesion, clonogenic growth, and tumorigenicity (Benson D M Jr, et al. J Clin Oncol 2012 30:2013-5; Tai Y T, et al. Blood 2009 113:4309-18).

Structure of the CAR Anti-CS1

The same structures V1, V2 and V3 are designed such as in the Example 1 for the anti-CD38 antigen target single-chain CAR, with the same components in terms of hinge, transmembrane domain, co-activation and transduction domains (such as depicted in the FIG. 11A and sequences shown in Table 18).

In Table 19 are presented the VH and VL chains of scFv anti-CS1. SEQ ID NO:38-40-42-44-46 and SEQ ID NO:39-41-43-45-47 correspond to respectively the VH chain and the VL chain of the murine scFv Luc63, Luc90, Luc34, LucX1 and LucX2.

In Table 20 are presented anti-CS1 CARs with the above scFv; these CARs being based on the versions V1, V2 and V3 of FIG. 11A, wherein respectively the short FcERγ hinge, the medium hinge CD8α hinge and the long IgG1 hinge are used. The underlined parts correspond to the scFv VH and VL chains bound by a linker.

TABLE 19 Sequences of VH and VL chains of the scFy anti-CS1 antibodies VH or VL SEQ ID Name chain NO: Polypeptide sequence Luc63 VH 38 EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIG EINPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARPDGN YWYFDVWGAGTTVTVSS VL 39 DIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVGIAVAWYQQKPGQSPKLLIY WASTRHTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLTISNVQSEDLADYFCQQYSSYPYTFGG GTKLEIK Luc90 VH 40 QVQLQQPGAELVRPGASVKLSCKASGYSFTTYWMNWVKQRPGQGLEWI GMIHPSDSETRLNQKFKDKATLTVDKSSSTAYMQLSSPTSEDSAVYYCARS TMIATRAMDYWGQGTSVTVSS VL 41 DIVMTQSQKSMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVITGVAWYQQKPGQSPKLLIYS ASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISNVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPLTFGAG TKLELK Luc34 VH 42 QVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKLSCKASGYTFTSYWMQWVKQRPGQGLEWI GAIYPGDGDTRYTQKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLASEDSAVYYCARG KVYYGSNPFAYWGQGTLVTVSA VL 43 DIQMTQSSSYLSVSLGGRVTITCKASDHINNWLAWYQQKPGNAPRLLISG ATSLETGVPSRFSGSGSGKDYTLSITSLQTEDVATYYCQQYWSTPWTFGGG TKLEIK LucX1 VH 44 QVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQGLEWI GRIYPG DGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARS TMIATGAMDYWGQGTSVTVSS VL 45 ETTVTQSPASLSMAIGEKVTIRCITSTDIDDDMNWYQQKPGEPPKLLISEGN TLRPGVPSRFSSSGYGTDFVFTIENMLSEDVADYYCLQSDNLPLTFGGGTKL EIK LucX2 VH 46 QVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQGLEW1 GRIYPGDGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARS TMIATGAMDYWGQGTSVTVSS VL 47 DIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVSTAVAWYQQKPGQSPKLLIYS ASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISSVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPPYTFGG GTKLEIK

TABLE 20 Polypeptide sequence of anti-CS1 CARs based on the V1, V2 and V3 versions in FIG. 11A Name of CAR SEQ ID # Polypeptide sequence Luc63- 48 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPEVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMSWVRQAPGKGL V1 CAR EWIGEINPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARPDGNYWYFDVWGAG TTVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVGIAVAWYQQKPGQ SPKLLIYWASTRHTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLTISNVQSEDLADYFCQQYSSYPYTFGGGTKLEIK GLAV STISSFFPPGYQKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQ QGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKG ERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc63- 49 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPEVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMSWVRQAPGKGL V2 CAR EWIGEINPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARPDGNYWYFDVWGAG TTVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVGIAVAWYQQKPGQ SPKLLIYWASTRHTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLTISNVQSEDLADYFCQQYSSYPYTFGGGTKLEIK TTTP APRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGR KKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGR REEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQG LSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc63- 50 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPEVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMSWVRQAPGKGL V3 CAR EWIGEINPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARPDGNYWYFDVWGAG TTVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVGIAVAWYQQKPGQ SPKLLIYWASTRHTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLTISNVQSEDLADYFCQQYSSYPYTFGGGTKLEI KEPKS PDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPS RDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQG NVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGC ELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQ KDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc90- 51 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQPGAELVRPGASVKLSCKASGYSFTTYWMNWVKQRPGQ V1 CAR GLEWIGMIHPSDSETRLNQKFKDKATLTVDKSSSTAYMQLSSPTSEDSAVYYCARSTMIATRAMDY WGQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSQKSMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVITGVAWYQ QKPGQSPKLLIYSASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISNVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPLTFGAGTKLEL K GLAVSTISSFFPPGYQKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSAD APAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSE IGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc90- 52 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQPGAELVRPGASVKLSCKASGYSFTTYWMNWVKQRPGQ V2 CAR GLEWIGMIHPSDSETRLNQKFKDKATLTVDKSSSTAYMQLSSPTSEDSAVYYCARSTMIATRAMDY WGQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSQKSMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVITGVAWYQ QKPGQSPKLLIYSASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISNVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPLTFGAGTKLEL K TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYC KRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNEL NLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDG LYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc90- 53 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQPGAELVRPGASVKLSCKASGYSFTTYWMNWVKQRPGQ V3 CAR GLEWIGMIHPSDSETRLNQKFKDKATLTVDKSSSTAYMQLSSPTSEDSAVYYCARSTMIATRAMDY WGQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSQKSMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVITGVAWYQ QKPGQSPKLLIYSASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISNVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPLTFGAGTKLEL K EPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEE EEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGL YNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc34- 54 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKLSCKASGYTFTSYWMQWVKQRPGQG V1 CAR LEWIGAIYPGDGDTRYTQKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLASEDSAVYYCARGKVYYGSNPFAYW GQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSSSYLSVSLGGRVTITCKASDHINNWLAWYQQK PGNAPRLLISGATSLETGVPSRFSGSGSGKDYTLSITSLQTEDVATYYCQQYWSTPWTFGGGTKLEIK GLAVSTISSFFPPGYQKRG RKKLLYI FKQPFM RPVQTTQE EDGCSCRFPEE EEGGCE LRVKFSRSADA PAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEI GMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc34- 55 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKLSCKASGYTFTSYWMQWVKQRPGQG V2 CAR LEWIGAIYPGDGDTRYTQKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLASEDSAVYYCARGKVYYGSNPFAYW GQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSSSYLSVSLGGRVTITCKASDHINNWLAWYQQK PGNAPRLLISGATSLETGVPSRFSGSGSGKDYTLSITSLQTEDVATYYCQQYWSTPWTFGGGTKLEIK TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCK RGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELN LGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGL YQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Luc34- 56 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKLSCKASGYTFTSYWMQWVKQRPGQG V3 CAR LEWIGAIYPGDGDTRYTQKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLASEDSAVYYCARGKVYYGSNPFAYW GQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSSSYLSVSLGGRVTITCKASDHINNWLAWYQQK PGNAPRLLISGATSLETGVPSRFSGSGSGKDYTLSITSLQTEDVATYYCQQYWSTPWTFGGGTKLEIK EPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVE VHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYT LPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEE EGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLY NELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR LucX1- 57 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQG V1 CAR LEWIGRIYPGDGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARSTMIATGAMDYW GQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSETTVTQSPASLSMAIGEKVTIRCITSTDIDDDMNWYQQKP GEPPKLLISEGNTLRPGVPSRFSSSGYGTDFVFTIENMLSEDVADYYCLQSDNLPLTFGGGTKLEIK GL AVSTISSFFPPGYQKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPA YQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGM KGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR LucX1- 58 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGAELARPGASVKLSCKASGYTFTSYWMQWVKQRPGQG V2 CAR LEWIGAIYPGDGDTRYTQKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLASEDSAVYYCARGKVYYGSNPFAYW GQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSSSYLSVSLGGRVTITCKASDHINNWLAWYQQK PGNAPRLLISGATSLETGVPSRFSGSGSGKDYTLSITSLQTEDVATYYCQQYWSTPWTFGGGTKLEIK TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCK RGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELN LGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGL YQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR LucX1- 59 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQG V3 CAR LEWIGRIYPGDGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARSTMIATGAMDYW GQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSETTVTQSPASLSMAIGEKVTIRCITSTDIDDDMNWYQQKP GEPPKLLISEGNTLRPGVPSRFSSSGYGTDFVFTIENMLSEDVADYYCLQSDNLPLTFGGGTKLEIK EPK SPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLP PSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGG CELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNEL QKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR LucX2- 60 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQG V1 CAR LEWIGRIYPGDGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARSTMIATGAMDYW GQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVSTAVAWYQQ KPGQSPKLLIYSASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISSVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPPYTFGGGTKLEI K GLAVSTISSFFPPGYQKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSAD APAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSE IGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR LucX2- 61 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQG V2 CAR LEWIGRIYPGDGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARSTMIATGAMDYW GQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVSTAVAWYQQ KPGQSPKLLIYSASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISSVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPPYTFGGGTKLEI K TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYC KRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNEL NLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDG LYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR LucX2- 62 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLQQSGPELVKPGASVKISCKASGYAFSSSWMNWVKQRPGQG V3 CAR LEWIGRIYPGDGDTKYNGKFKGKATLTADKSSSTAYMQLSSLTSVDSAVYFCARSTMIATGAMDYW GQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSHKFMSTSVGDRVSITCKASQDVSTAVAWYQQ KPGQSPKLLIYSASYRYTGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTFTISSVQAEDLAVYYCQQHYSTPPYTFGGGTKLEI K EPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEE EEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGL YNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR

Strategy for CAR CS1+ and KO CS1 Engineering

CS1 is expressed at high levels in plasmacytoid cells from patients with Multiple Myeloma, making this an interesting target for CAR development. T-cells, especially the CD8 subset, express low levels of CS1, which is a drawback for T-cell CAR development, since they could be killed when expressing an anti-CS1 CAR.

In this example we assessed the activity of the Luc90-v2 CAR (sequence shown in Table 20) in human T-cells that were either mock transfected, or transfected with a TALEN targeting the CS1 (SLAM F7) gene, to see if the CAR activity was enhanced when the CS1 gene was disrupted in CAR+ T-cells. The course of the experiment is shown in the FIG. 12.

T-cells were purified from buffy-coat samples and activated using CD3/CD28-coated beads. Cells were co-transfected 72h after activation with 10 μg of mRNA encoding the T01_left TAL and 10 μg of the mRNA encoding the T01_right TAL. Sequences of the TALs are shown in the following Table 21 and the plasmid constructs (T01, T02 and T03) with the TAL repeats shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows the target location for the TALs T01, T02 and T03 within the CS1 (SLAMF7) gene: T01 and T02 target the exon 1 (FIG. 14A), whereas T03 targets the exon 2 (FIG. 14B).

TABLE 21 Sequences of the CS1 target and TALENs for its inactivation TALEN Name L/R SEQ ID # Nucleic acid sequence Targetof TO1 63 TGACTTCCAGAGAGCAATATGGCTG GTTCCCCAACATGCCTCACCCTCA L 64 TGACTTCCAGAGAGCAA R 65 AACATGCCTCACCCTCA Target of TO2 66 TTCCAGAGAGCAATATGGCTGGTTC CCCAACATGCCTCACCCTCATCTA L 67 TTCCAGAGAGCAATATG R 68 TGCCTCACCCTCATCTA Target of TO3 69 TTGACTCTATTGTCTGGACCTTCAA CACAACCCCTCTTGTCACCATACA L 70 TTGACTCTATTGTCTGG R 71 CCTCTTGTCACCATACA

3 days after TALEn transfection, cells were transduced with a recombinant lentiviral vector driving expression of the L90-v2 CAR off an EF1a promoter. The lentiviral vector is built in a way that CAR expression is coupled with BFP expression (Blue Fluorescent Protein) through a ribosomal skip peptide. The L90-v2 CAR is constituted by an extracellular binding domain recognizing the CS1 target (scFv L90) followed by hinge and transmembrane regions derived from the hCD8α protein. The intracellular portion of the molecule contains a 41BB-derived costimulatory domain, followed by the CD3γ signaling domain (sequences displayed in previous Table 18-19-20 for individual components, scFv and CAR sequences respectively).

Transduction efficiency was assessed 6 days after transduction by flow cytometry, by following BFP expression. Cells were also stained with anti-CD8 and anti-CS1 antibodies.

Results

CAR CS1+ Expression

The results from FIG. 16 show that the transduction efficiencies are higher in mock transfected cells than in cells that have been transfected with TALEn targeting the CS1 gene. This is probably due to specific cell killing of non-transduced CS1-expressing T-cells, while this population is not affected when the cells no longer express CS1 as a consequence of TALEN-driven gene disruption.

No significant differences in CS1 levels are observed at this timepoint between TALEN or mock transfected cells (negative control-transfection without plasmid), since CS1 levels decrease over time after initial activation of T-cells. On the other hand, a significant decrease in the % of CD8+ cells is observed in mock transfected CAR expressing cells compared to TALEN transfected CAR+ cells, indicating that a high proportion of CD8+ cells has been eliminated by the CAR+ T-cells.

Cytotoxic Activity Assessment

The cytotoxic activity of these cells was evaluated 8 days after CAR transduction, by co-culturing the same amount of T-cells either with a cell line expressing CS1 (L363 cells) or a negative control cell line lacking expression of CS1 (MOLM13). The viability of the target cell lines was measured by flow cytometry 4h after starting cell co-cultures. The results shown in FIG. 15A show reduced cell viability of CS1(+) cells when they were co-cultured with CAR+ T-cells, while no impact on CS1(−) cell viability was observed. The specific cell lysis was calculated using the flow cytometry data, and it was 2-times higher when T-cells have been transfected with TALEn targeting the CS1 gene prior to CAR transduction (FIG. 15B). It should be considered that the impact might be even higher, since the amount of CAR+ T-cells present in the co-cultures is higher when the cells were mock transfected (see flow cytometry data from FIG. 16). The results from the experiment are the following:

-   -   for the Mock/NTD sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 0.1% and the         amount of CD8+ cells is 53.9%;     -   for the TALEn/NTD sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 0.2% and the         amount of CD8+ cells is 49.5%;     -   for the Mock/L90-2 sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 94% and the         amount of CD8+ cells is 1.8%;     -   for the TALEn/L90-2 sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 61% and the         amount of CD8+ cells is 8.3%.     -   Transduction efficiencies are higher in mock transfected cells         than in cells that have been transfected with TALEn targeting         the CS1 gene (NTD: not transduced).

Reactivation after Transduction

In order to confirm that the CS1 gene has been disrupted in TALEn transfected T-cells, the different samples were reactivated with CD3/CD28 beads at D11 after transduction. 72h after reactivation cells were stained with anti-CD8 and anti-CS1 antibodies and expression analyzed by flow cytometry.

FIG. 17 shows the transduction efficiencies and CD8/CS1 expression levels in each sample. As shown in the lower panel, an increase in CS1 levels upon re-activation is observed in mock transfected cells, while a low amount of cells are able to express CS1 in the TALEn transfected populations.

The results from the experiment are the following:

-   -   for the Mock/NTD sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 0.01%, CS1 is         expressed in 65.2% of cells, and the amount of CD8+ cells is         80.7%;     -   for the TALEn/NTD sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 0.2%, the CS1         is expressed in 9.7% of cells and the amount of CD8+ cells is         78.8%;     -   for the Mock/L90-2 sample, the % of BFP+ cells is 94%, the CS1         is expressed in 37.5% of cells and the amount of CD8+ cells is         16%.     -   for the TALEn/L90-2 sample, the BFP intensity is 61%, the CS1         expression is 8.5% and the CD8 expression is 68.5%.

An increase in CS1 levels upon re-activation is observed in mock transfected cells, while a low amount of cells are able to express CS1 in the TALEn transfected populations.

Altogether, these results indicate that the CS1 gene is disrupted in TALEn transfected T-cells, and that this enhances the cytotoxic activity of anti-CS1 CAR+ cells, mainly by preserving the cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells.

Example 3: CD70 Target

Presentation of CD70 Target

The CD70 is a cytokine that binds to CD27 and is part of the TNF family (Goodwin R. G. et al, 1993, Cell 73:447-456). This protein has a role in adaptive T cell responses, induces the proliferation of costimulated T-cells and enhances the generation of cytolytic T-cells. Its accession number is P32970 (Uniprot). Some studies such as in Schürch, C. et al. (J. Clin. Invest., 2012; doi:10.1172/JCI45977) suggest that blocking CD27-CD70 interactions could help treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

Strategy for CD70 KO

The same strategy for the KO of CD70 gene will be performed such as in Example 1 and Example 2. Heterodimeric TALE-nuclease targeting two 49-pb long sequences separated by a 15pb spacer within the CD70 gene and one TALE-nuclease targeting a 57-pb long sequence separated by a 23pb spacer were designed and produced. Each half target is recognized by repeats of the half TALE-nucleases listed in the following Table 22.

TABLE 22 Sequences of the CD70 target and TALENs for its inactivation TALEN Name L/R SEQ ID # Nucleic acid sequence Target 1 72 TGGTCTTTTCTTCCAGTgggacgta TALEN 1 gctgagcTGCAGCTGAATCACACA L 73 TGGTCTTTTCTTCCAGT R 74 TGCAGCTGAATCACACA Target 2 75 TGGTGATCTGCCTCGTGgtgtgcat TALEN 2 ccagcgcTTCGCACAGGCTCAGCA L 76 TGGTGATCTGCCTCGTG R 77 TTCGCACAGGCTCAGCA Target 3 78 TGCGGGCTGCTTTGGTCccattggtcgcg TALEN 3 ggcttggtgatCTGCCTCGTGGTGTGCA L 79 TGCGGGCTGCTTTGGTC R 80 CTGCCTCGTGGTGTGCA

Strategy for the Expression of Anti-CD70 CAR

The same strategy for expressing a CAR anti-CD70 will be performed such as in Example 1 and in Example 2.

The same structures V1, V2 and V3 are designed such as in the Example 1-2 with the same components in terms of signal peptide, linker between the VH and VL chains, transmembrane domain, co-activation and transduction domains (general architectures shown in FIG. 11A, and sequences for individual components shown in Table 18). Only the hinge differs between the 3 versions V1, V2 and V3, wherein respectively the short FcERγ hinge, the medium hinge CD8a hinge and the long IgG1 hinge are used.

In Table 23 are presented VH and VL chain of scFv anti-CD70. SEQ ID NO:81-82, 85-86, 89-90 and SEQ ID NO:83-84, 87-88, 91-92 correspond to respectively the VH chain and the VL chain of the scFv Ab4, Ab8 from AMGEN and 1F6 from Seattle Genetics.

In Table 24 are presented the anti-CD70 CARs with the above scFv; these CARs being based on the versions V1, V2 and V3 according to FIG. 11A, wherein respectively a short FcEγ hinge, a medium hinge CD8 and a long IgG1 hinge are used.

TABLE 23 Polynucleotide and nucleic acid sequences of VH and VL chains for the scFv anti- CD70 Ab4, Ab8 and 1F6 antibodies VH or VL Name chain SEQ ID # Polypeptide and nucleic acid sequence Ab4 VH 81 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYGIHWVRQAPGKGLE WVAVIWYDGSNKYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAV YYCARDGGYSGYDSGFDYWGQGTLVTVSS caggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggaggcgtggtccagcctgggaggtccctgagactctcctgt 82 gcagcgtctggattcaccttcagtaactatggcatacactgggtccgccaggctccaggcaaggg gctggagtgggtggcagttatatggtatgatggaagtaataaatactatgcagactccgtgaagg gccgattcaccatctccagagacaattccaagaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagcctgaga gccgaggacacggctgtgtattactgtgcgagagatggaggatatagtggctacgattcggggttt gactactggggccagggaaccctggtcaccgtctcctcagctagcaccaagggcccatccgtcttc cccctggcaccctcctccaagagcacctctgggggcacagcggccctgggctgcctggtcaagga ctacttccccgaaccggtgacggtgtcgtggaactcaggcgccctgaccagcggcgtgcacacctt cccggctgtcctacagtcctcaggactctactccctcagcagcgtggtgaccgtgccctccagcag cttgggcacccagacctacatctgcaacgtgaatcacaagcccagcaacaccaaggtggacaag aaagttgagcccaaatcttgtgacaaaactcacacatgcccaccgtgcccagcacctgaactcct ggggggaccgtcagtcttcctcttccccccaaaacccaaggacaccctcatgatctcccggacccc tgaggtcacatgcgtggtggtggacgtgagccacgaagaccctgaggtcaagttcaactggtacg tggacggcgtggaggtgcataatgccaagacaaagccgcgggaggagcagtacaacagcacgt accgtgtggtcagcgtcctcaccgtcctgcaccaggactggctgaatggcaaggagtacaagtgc aaggtctccaacaaagccctcccagcccccatcgagaaaaccatctccaaagccaaagggcagc cccgagaaccacaggtgtacaccctgcccccatcccgggaggagatgaccaagaaccaggtcag cctgacctgcctggtcaaaggcttctatcccagcgacatcgccgtggagtgggagagcaatgggc agccggagaacaactacaagaccacgcctcccgtgctggactccgacggctccttcttcctctata gcaagctcaccgtggacaagagcaggtggcagcaggggaacgtcttctcatgctccgtgatgcat gaggctctgcacaaccactacacgcagaagagcctctccctgtctccgggtaaatga VL 83 DIVMTQSPLSLPVTPGEPASISCRSSQSLLNSNGYNYLDWYLQKPGQS PQFLIYLGSYRASGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLRISRVEAEDVGVYYCIQTLQ TPFTFGPGTKVDIK Gatattgtgatgactcagtctccactctccctgcccgtcacccctggagagccggcctccatctcct 84 gcaggtctagtcagagcctcctgaatagtaatggatacaactatttggattggtacctgcagaagc cagggcagtctccacagttcctgatctatttgggttcttatcgggcctccggggtccctgacaggttc agtggcagtggatcaggcacagattttacactgagaatcagcagagtggaggctgaggatgttgg ggtttattactgtatacaaactctacaaactccattcactttcggccctgggaccaaagtggatatc aaacgtacggtggctgcaccatctgtcttcatcttcccgccatctgatgagcagttgaaatctggaa ctgcctctgttgtgtgcctgctgaataacttctatcccagagaggccaaagtacagtggaaggtgg ataacgccctccaatcgggtaactcccaggagagtgtcacagagcaggacagcaaggacagcac ctacagcctcagcagcaccctgacgctgagcaaagcagactacgagaaacacaaagtctacgcc tgcgaagtcacccatcagggcctgagctcgcccgtcacaaagagcttcaacaggggagagtgtta gtcctca53ggactctactccctcagcagcgtggtgaccgtgccctccagcagcttgggcacccag acctacatctgcaacgtgaatcacaagcccagcaacaccaaggtggacaagaaagttgagccca aatcttgtgacaaaactcacacatgcccaccgtgcccagcacctgaactcctggggggaccgtca gtcttcctcttccccccaaaacccaaggacaccctcatgatctcccggacccctgaggtcacatgc gtggtggtggacgtgagccacgaagaccctgaggtcaagttcaactggtacgtggacggcgtgga ggtgcataatgccaagacaaagccgcgggaggagcagtacaacagcacgtaccgtgtggtcagc gtcctcaccgtcctgcaccaggactggctgaatggcaaggagtacaagtgcaaggtctccaacaa agccctcccagcccccatcgagaaaaccatctccaaagccaaagggcagccccgagaaccacag gtgtacaccctgcccccatcccgggaggagatgaccaagaaccaggtcagcctgacctgcctggt caaaggcttctatcccagcgacatcgccgtggagtgggagagcaatgggcagccggagaacaac tacaagaccacgcctcccgtgctggactccgacggctccttcttcctctatagcaagctcaccgtgg acaagagcaggtggcagcaggggaacgtcttctcatgctccgtgatgcatgaggctctgcacaac cactacacgcagaagagcctctccctgtctccgggtaaa Ab8 VH 85 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWVRQAPGKGLE WVAVIWYDGSDKYFADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAV YYCARDGIAGARYVYFDYWGQGTLVTVSS caggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggaggcgtggtccagcctgggaggtccctgagactctcctgt 86 gcagcgtctggattcaccttcagtagctatggcatgcactgggtccgccaggctccaggcaaggg gctggagtgggtggcagttatatggtatgatggaagtgataaatactttgcagactccgtgaaggg ccgattcaccatctccagagacaattccaagaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagcctgagag ccgaggacacggctgtgtattactgtgcgagagatgggatagcaggagctcgctacgtctactttg actactggggccagggaaccctggtcaccgtctcctcagctagcaccaagggcccatccgtcttcc ccctggcaccctcctccaagagcacctctgggggcacagcggccctgggctgcctggtcaaggac tacttccccgaaccggtgacggtgtcgtggaactcaggcgccctgaccagcggcgtgcacaccttc ccggctgtcctacagtcctcaggactctactccct VL 87 DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGISNYLAWFQQKPGKAPKSLIY AASSLQGGVPSKFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYYNYPFTF GPGTTVDIK gacatccagatgacccagtctccatcctccctgtctgcatctgtaggagacagagtcaccatcactt 88 gtcgggcgagtcagggcattagcaattatttagcctggtttcagcagaaaccagggaaagcccct aagtccctgatctatgctgcatccagtttgcaaggtggggtcccatcaaagttcagcggcagtgga tctgggacagatttcactctcaccatcagcagcctgcagcctgaagattttgcaacttattactgcc aacaatattataattacccattcactttcggccctgggaccacagtggatatcaaacgtacggtgg ctgcaccatctgtcttcatcttcccgccatctgatgagcagttgaaatctggaactgcctctgttgtg tgcctgctgaataacttctatcccagagaggccaaagtacagtggaaggtggataacgccctcca atcgggtaactcccaggagagtgtcacagagcaggacagcaaggacagcacctacagcctcagc agcaccctgacgctgagcaaagcagactacgagaaacacaaagtctacgcctgcgaagtcaccc atcagggcctgagctcgcccgtcacaaagagcttcaacaggggagagtgttag 1F6 VH 89 QIQLVQSGPEVKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWVKQAPGKGLK WMGINTYTGEPTYADAFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYF CARDYGDYGMDYWGQGTSVTVSS atggcttgggtgtggaccttgctattcctgatggcagctgcccaaagtgcccaagcacagatccag 90 ttggtgcagtctggacctgaggtgaagaagcctggagagacagtcaagatctcctgcaaggcttc tgggtataccttcacaaactatggaatgaactgggtgaagcaggctccaggaaagggtttaaagt ggatgggctggataaacacctacactggagagccaacatatgctgatgccttcaagggacggttt gccttctctttggaaacctctgccagcactgcctatttgcagatcaacaacctcaaaaatgaggac acggctacatatttctgtgcaagagactacggcgactatggtatggactactggggtcaaggaac ctcagtcaccgtctcctca VL 91 DIVLTQSPASLAVSLGQRATISCRASKSVSTSGYSFMHWYQQKPGQPP KLLIYLASNLESGVPARFSGSGSGTDFTLNIHPVEEEDAATYYCQHSREV PWTFGGGTKLEIKR 92 atggagacagacacactcctgttatgggtactgctgctctgggttccaggttccactggtgacattg tgctgacacagtctcctgcttccttagctgtatctctggggcagagggccaccatctcatgcagggc cagcaaaagtgtcagtacatctggctatagttttatgcactggtatcaacagaaaccaggacagc cacccaaactcctcatctatcttgcatccaacctagaatctggggtccctgccaggttcagtggcag tgggtctgggacagacttcaccctcaacatccatcctgtggaggaggaggatgctgcaacctatta ctgtcagcacagtagggaggttccgtggacgttcggtggaggcaccaagctggaaatcaaacgg

TABLE 24 Polypeptide sequences of anti-CD70 CARs based on the V1, V2 and V3 versions according to FIG. 11A Name SEQ ID of CAR NO: Polypeptide sequence Ab4-V1 93 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYGIHWVR CAR QAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSNKYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARDGGYSGYDSGFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSPLSLPVT PGEPASISCRSSQSLLNSNGYNYLDWYLQKPGQSPQFLIYLGSYRASGVPDRFSGSGS GTDFTLRISRVEAEDVGVYYCIQTLQTPFTFGPGTKVDIKGLAVSTISSFFPPGYQIYIWAPL AGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRS ADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKM AEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR Ab4-V2 94 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYGIHWVR CAR QAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSNKYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARDGGYSGYDSGFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSPLSLPVT PGEPASISCRSSQSLLNSNGYNYLDWYLQKPGQSPQFLIYLGSYRASGVPDRFSGSGS GTDFTLRISRVEAEDVGVYYCIQTLQTPFTFGPGTKVDIKTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSL RPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRP VCITTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKR RGRDPEMGGKPRRKNMEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATK DTYDALHMQALPPR Ab4-V3 95 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYGIHWVR CAR QAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSNKYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY YCARDGGYSGYDSGFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVMTQSPLSLPVT PGEPASISCRSSQSLLNSNGYNYLDWYLQKPGQSPQFLIYLGSYRASGVPDRFSGSGS GTDFTLRISRVEAEDVGVYYCIQTLQTPFTFGPGTKVDIKEPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAG PSVFLFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTY RVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQT TQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGR DPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYD ALHMQALPPR Ab8-V1 96 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWV CAR RQAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSDKYFADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAV YYCARDGIAGARYVYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSPSSLSA SVGDRVTITCRASQGISNYLAWFQQKPGKAPKSLIYAASSLQGGVPSKFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLCIPEDFATYYCQQYYNYPFTFGPGTTVDIKGLAVSTISSFFPPGYQIYIWAPLAGTC GVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVCITTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAP AYQQGQNCILYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPCIEGLYNELQKDKMAEAY SEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMCIALPPR Ab8-V2 97 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWV CAR RQAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSDKYFADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAV YYCARDGIAGARYVYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSPSSLSA SVGDRVTITCRASQGISNYLAWFQQKPGKAPKSLIYAASSLQGGVPSKFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQYYNYPFTFGPGTTVDIKTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEAC RPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQ EEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPE MGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALH MQALPPR Ab8-V3 98 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWV CAR RQAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSDKYFADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAV YYCARDGIAGARYVYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIQMTQSPSSLSA SVGDRVTITCRASQGISNYLAWFQQKPGKAPKSLIYAASSLQGGVPSKFSGSGSGTDF TLTISSLOPEDFATYYCQQYYNYPFTFGPGTTVDIKEPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCL VKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHE ALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEE DGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEM GGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHM QALPPR 1F6 V1 99 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQIQLVQSGPEVKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWVK CAR QAPGKGLKWMGINTYTGEPTYADAFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYFC ARDYGDYGMDYWGQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVLTQSPASLAVSLGQRA TISCRASKSVSTSGYSFMHWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYLASNLESGVPARFSGSGSGTDFTL NIHPVEEEDAATYYCQHSREVPWTFGGGTKLEIKRGLAVSTISSFFPPGYQIYIWAPLAGT CGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADA PAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEA YSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQALPPR 1F6 V2 100 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQIQLVQSGPEVKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWVK CAR QAPGKGLKWMGINTYTGEPTYADAFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYFC ARDYGDYGMDYWGQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVLTQSPASLAVSLGQRA TISCRASKSVSTSGYSFMHWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYLASNLESGVPARFSGSGSGTDFTL NIHPVEEEDAATYYCQHSREVPWTFGGGTKLEIKRTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEA CRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTT QEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRD PEMGGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDA LHMQALPPR 1F6 V3 101 MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPQIQLVQSGPEVKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWVK CAR QAPGKGLKWMGINTYTGEPTYADAFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYFC ARDYGDYGMDYWGQGTSVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSDIVLTQSPASLAVSLGQRA TISCRASKSVSTSGYSFMHWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYLASNLESGVPARFSGSGSGTDFTL NIHPVEEEDAATYYCQHSREVPWTFGGGTKLEIKREPKSPDKTHTCPPCPAPPVAGPSVF LFPPKPKDTLMIARTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVV SVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCL VKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHE ALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCKRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEE DGCSCRFPEEEEGGCELRVKFSRSADAPAYQQGQNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKRRGRDPEM GGKPRRKNPQEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMKGERRRGKGHDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHM QALPPR

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1-43. (canceled)
 44. A method of preparing an immune cell for immunotherapy comprising: (a) inactivating or mutating a gene encoding a CD38 antigen marker in an immune cell; and (b) expressing in said immune cell a transgene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against said CD38 antigen marker.
 45. The method according to claim 44, further comprising activating and expanding the immune cell.
 46. The method according to claim 44, further comprising purifying the resulting immune cell by excluding the cells presenting said CD38 antigen marker at their surface.
 47. The method according to claim 44, wherein said immune cell is obtained from a donor.
 48. The method according to claim 44, wherein inactivating or mutating the gene is performed using a rare-cutting endonuclease.
 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein the rare-cutting endonuclease is a TAL-nuclease.
 50. The method according to claim 48, wherein said endonuclease is expressed from transfected mRNA.
 53. The method according to claim 44, wherein said immune cell is a natural killer cell.
 54. An engineered immune cell obtainable according to the method of claim
 44. 55. A method of preparing an immune cell for immunotherapy comprising inactivating or mutating a gene encoding a CD38 antigen marker in an immune cell using a rare-cutting endonuclease.
 56. The method according to claim 55, further comprising expressing in said immune cell a transgene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against said CD38 antigen marker.
 57. The method according to claim 55, further comprising activating and expanding the immune cell.
 58. The method according to claim 55, further comprising purifying the resulting immune cell by excluding the cells presenting said CD38 antigen marker at their surface.
 59. The method according to claim 55, wherein said immune cell is obtained from a donor.
 60. The method according to claim 55, wherein the rare-cutting endonuclease is a TAL-nuclease.
 61. The method according to claim 55, wherein said endonuclease is expressed from transfected mRNA.
 62. The method according to claim 55, wherein said immune cell is a natural killer cell.
 63. An engineered immune cell obtainable according to the method of claim
 55. 